An animal rights activist faces backlash after ‘freeing’ a crayfish from a Weymouth restaurant tank, only for its companion to die shortly afterward, possibly from loneliness.
The Restaurant Intrusion
On the evening of April 10, 2023, Emma Smart, a 47-year-old marine biologist, entered Catch at the Old Fish Market in Weymouth, Dorset. She targeted a warm-water tank housing two crayfish named Ronnie and Reggie, which the restaurant kept as educational pets rather than menu items.
Video footage shows Smart pushing past staff, plunging her hand into the tank, grabbing one crayfish, and rushing outside. She then hurled it into the harbor with an overarm throw, similar to a cricket ball. The sudden plunge into cold harbor water likely caused immediate death from thermal shock, according to restaurant owner Sean Cooper.
The remaining crayfish died days later. ‘I don’t know if the loss of its mate had an impact on that,’ Cooper stated.
Court Outcome
Smart appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court and pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage. She received an eight-month conditional discharge and a three-year restraining order, barring her from approaching within ten meters of the restaurant.
Prosecutor Ben Thompson described the event: ‘At 9pm the defendant was waiting outside the entrance. When guests were leaving, she came in, and a member of staff attempted to push her out. Eventually, Ms. Smart reached the tank, took the crayfish, and placed it in the harbor.’
Defender 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. You were determined to take it and placed it in the harbor. It was a deeply misguided thing to have done.’
Owner’s Frustration
Sean Cooper, who opened the harborside venue in 2021, expressed deep disappointment. ‘The video evidence was unambiguous,’ he said, criticizing the plea deal that reduced charges from animal cruelty, theft, and assault. He noted a planned police meeting never occurred.
Cooper described the crayfish as an unusual Mediterranean species caught in the English Channel and donated for display. The tank aimed to educate families about seafood.
He labeled Smart ‘ignorant’ and highlighted the restaurant’s sustainability credentials, recognized by the Sustainable Restaurant Association for leading practices alongside Weyfish.
Prior Incidents
This was not Smart’s first clash with the restaurant. In 2022, police intervened when she tried to confront diners, including Sir David Attenborough, to advocate for imprisoned climate activists.
Cooper emphasized: ‘The values she claims to hold are, in large part, the values we live by. Her campaign against us is as misguided as it is damaging.’
