Activist’s ‘Rescue’ Ends in Tragedy for Restaurant Crayfish Pair
An animal rights activist faces backlash after grabbing a crayfish from a Weymouth restaurant tank and hurling it into the cold harbor waters, leading to the deaths of both creatures. The surviving tankmate perished days later, possibly from loneliness, according to the restaurant owner.
The Dramatic Incident at Catch Restaurant
On April 10, 2023, Emma Smart, a 47-year-old marine biologist, entered Catch at the Old Fish Market in Weymouth, Dorset. Surveillance footage shows her pushing past staff to reach the warm-water tank housing two crayfish named Ronnie and Reggie. These Mediterranean species, caught in the English Channel and donated to the restaurant, served educational purposes rather than menu items.
Smart plunged her hand into the tank, seized one crayfish, and stormed out. She then threw it into the harbor with an overarm motion like a cricket ball. Owner Sean Cooper states the sudden temperature change caused thermal shock, killing the crayfish instantly. “The force of the throw and the thermal shock would have killed that animal,” Cooper said.
Tankmate’s Mysterious Death
The remaining crayfish died shortly afterward. Cooper speculates loneliness played a role: “I don’t know if the loss of its mate had an impact on that.” He describes the pair as pets kept to attract families and educate visitors about marine life.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Smart appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court, admitting one count of criminal damage. Prosecutor Ben Thompson described the event: “Ms Smart reached into the fish tank and took the crayfish. Multiple members of staff tried to stop her, but she left and placed it in the harbor.”
Defense lawyer Kitan Ososami called it an impulsive act driven by Smart’s passion for animal welfare. Judge Susan Evans remarked: “The crayfish was not there for consumption but for educational purposes. It was a deeply misguided thing to have done.”
Smart received an eight-month conditional discharge and a three-year restraining order barring her from approaching within 10 meters of the restaurant.
Owner’s Frustration and Restaurant’s Stance
Cooper expressed disappointment over the plea deal, originally facing charges of animal cruelty, theft, and assault. “The video evidence was unambiguous,” he said, criticizing the handling of the case.
This marks Smart’s second clash with the restaurant. In 2022, police intervened when she confronted diners, including Sir David Attenborough, demanding support for climate activists.
Catch emphasizes sustainable seafood sourcing, recognized by the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Cooper calls Smart’s actions misguided: “The values she claims to hold are, in large part, the values we live by.”
