Welfare Science

Animal Sentience Act 2022 and Welfare Policy in the UK

The UK Animal Sentience Act 2022 created a formal mechanism for considering animal welfare in government policy, with an independent committee to scrutinise decisions.

Key Facts

The Animal Sentience Committee was established under the 2022 Act
The Act requires government to have 'all due regard' for animal welfare in all policy decisions
Vertebrates plus decapods and cephalopods are covered by the Act
The Committee has issued reports on animal welfare in a range of policy areas

Welfare Considerations

The Act represents a significant advance in institutionalising animal welfare, but its effectiveness depends on the government's willingness to act on Committee findings. Civil society engagement with the Committee strengthens accountability.

What You Can Do

Read and respond to Animal Sentience Committee reports on specific policies
Engage MPs on the government's response to sentience committee recommendations
Support organisations that track and publicise sentience committee work