Scientific understanding of farm animal sentience has advanced dramatically, building a compelling case for stronger welfare protections across all farmed species.
The scientific case for farm animal sentience is now overwhelming. Decades of research have demonstrated that all major farmed vertebrates — cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, and fish — experience pain, fear, and suffering, and have positive as well as negative emotional states. This evidence base has directly informed welfare legislation in many jurisdictions. However, significant gaps remain between what science demonstrates and what is legally required or commercially practiced. Closing this gap requires translating sentience science into practical welfare standards that reduce suffering at scale.