People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has filed a lawsuit against the Maine Lobster Festival, arguing the steaming of lobsters is ‘egregiously cruel.’ The organization has launched a legal battle over the annual event, which is a significant cultural and economic activity in the state of Maine, by alleging that the practice of cooking live lobsters on public lands constitutes a violation of Maine law against animal cruelty.
PETA’s lawsuit, filed on July 24 in Knox County Superior Court, targets the Maine Lobster Festival and the City of Rockland, seeking an injunction to stop the steaming of live lobsters. In its filing, the group has argued that the festival’s practices create a ‘public nuisance’ and force residents to witness extreme animal suffering, with approximately 16,000 live lobsters being illegally tormented and killed each year during the event.
The lawsuit also claims that the festival’s impact on Harbor Park and nearby areas prevents the public from enjoying these spaces, raising concerns about environmental and public interest issues. In response, the Maine Lobster Festival and Rockland Festival Corporation have denied the allegations, stating that their methods follow widely accepted culinary practices and that there is no scientific consensus that lobsters experience pain in a manner similar to mammals.
PETA’s legal action has sparked a broader debate about animal welfare and the ethics of food preparation. The lawsuit reflects the growing influence of animal rights groups in challenging traditional culinary practices that may conflict with contemporary ethical standards. As the legal battle unfolds, it could have significant implications for both the festival and the city’s relationship with animal welfare advocates, potentially affecting public perception and the event’s future operations.