Grassland invertebrates represent the vast majority of animal diversity in UK habitats, and their welfare and conservation needs are profoundly underrecognised.
The welfare status of invertebrates is contested, with current scientific consensus suggesting that most insects lack the neural complexity for subjective pain experience as understood in vertebrates, though this remains an area of active research for some groups. Regardless of individual welfare status, the mass decline of grassland invertebrates represents an ecological welfare crisis for the species that depend on them. Insectivorous birds, bats, and small mammals that rely on invertebrate prey suffer reduced food availability and breeding success when invertebrate populations crash. The precautionary principle supports reducing avoidable invertebrate suffering while conservation arguments for protecting populations are compelling regardless of individual welfare status.