The recognition of animal sentience in law has profound implications for how farm animals can be treated. Different jurisdictions are at very different stages in this legal evolution.
Legal recognition of animal sentience creates duties to consider animal experiences in policy-making. However, recognition alone is insufficient — welfare protections must be legislated and enforced. Many jurisdictions with sentience recognition still permit practices like farrowing crates, battery cages, and long-distance live export. The gap between sentience recognition and adequate welfare protection is a major challenge for animal advocates globally.