Farm Animals

Farm Animal Sentience and UK Law

The UK Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 formally recognises all vertebrates and some invertebrates as sentient, with implications for policy-making and farm animal welfare.

Key Facts

The Sentience Act creates a duty for ministers to have regard to animal welfare in policy decisions
It established an Animal Sentience Committee to scrutinise government policy
Decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs are included based on sentience evidence
The Act does not create new offences but requires welfare consideration in policy-making
It was a significant development post-Brexit when EU animal sentience recognition was lost

Welfare Considerations

Legal recognition of sentience signals a policy commitment to considering animal experience in decision-making beyond production efficiency. The Animal Sentience Committee's remit to scrutinise government policy creates accountability for welfare consideration across departments. Engaging with the Committee's reports and advocating for strong implementation of the sentience principle strengthens the welfare framework for billions of animals affected by UK policy.

What You Can Do

Read Animal Sentience Committee reports on government policies affecting animals
Respond to consultations that affect farm animal welfare policy
Support organisations engaging with the Animal Sentience Committee process
Advocate for strong implementation of the sentience principle in policy
Learn about the legislative history of animal sentience recognition in the UK