Animal activist Emma Smart kills crayfish she ‘rescued’ from restaurant after throwing it in freezing water

An animal activist’s dramatic “rescue” backfired spectacularly; The creature he was trying to save probably died the moment it hit the ocean.

Emma Smart stormed into a Michelin-listed restaurant and snatched what she thought was a lobster from her dinner plate.

But ironically, the animal was actually a Mediterranean crayfish (a warm-water species) that Smart threw into the freezing salt water where it had little chance of survival.

The crustacean had been kept for years as a training pet by Anthony Cooper, owner of the Old Fish Market by Catch. Along with their tankmates, they were known as “Ronnie and Reggie.”

CCTV recorded Smart charging into the venue, running past staff and throwing the animal “like a cricket ball” into Weymouth Harbour.

It is believed that the sudden shock of cold, salty water killed him almost instantly rather than saving him.

Tragically, his friend also later died; probably from stress or the loss of his long-time tank mate.

Smart admitted to criminal damage in court and told the judge he acted on impulse out of concern for animal welfare.

But the court was told the shellfish were never intended for consumption, only for display and education.

Judge Susan Evans described the action as “deeply misguided”, while Cooper said he was “deeply disappointed” by the outcome.