"Crabs used for food are subject to killing methods that would warrant felony cruelty-to-animals charges if the victims were cats, dogs, cows, or pigs. Like lobsters, crabs are often thrown into pots of scalding-hot water and boiled alive—the crabs will fight so hard against a clearly painful death that their claws often break off in their struggle to escape. Some crabs used for food are electrocuted, some are chopped up, and others are microwaved—all while they are still conscious." http://www.fishinghurts.com/feat-crabslife2.asp
"Ultimately, Whole Foods management decided to immediately stop selling live lobsters and soft-shell crabs, saying they could not ensure the creatures are treated with respect and compassion." http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/16/national/main1720259.shtml?source=RSS&attr=Business_1720259