Animal Sentience In Uk Law

Animal Welfare Sentience Bill Recognizes Animals as Sentient Beings

Landmark Legislation Sets Precedent for Animal Welfare

Bill Establishes Animal Sentience Committee to Monitor Government Policy

The United Kingdom has passed groundbreaking legislation that formally recognizes animals as sentient beings in domestic law. The Animal Welfare Sentience Bill establishes an Animal Sentience Committee to monitor the impact of government policy on animal welfare.

The Bill, which received royal assent on April 21, 2022, ammends the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to include a new statutory duty on the government to consider the welfare of animals in policy-making. The Animal Sentience Committee, an independent body comprising experts in animal welfare, science, and ethics, will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of this duty.

The Committee will also provide advice to the government on animal welfare issues and conduct inquiries into matters such as the use of animals in scientific research and the transport of animals.

The Animal Welfare Sentience Bill is a significant step forward for animal welfare in the United Kingdom. It is the first time that animal sentience has been formally recognized in domestic law, and it sets a precedent for other countries to follow.

The Bill is the result of years of campaigning by animal welfare organizations and is a testament to the growing public awareness of the importance of animal welfare.