Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Sentience Recognition

Scientific recognition of pig sentience is advancing rapidly, with implications for welfare standards, legislation, and public attitudes. Understanding the science strengthens the welfare case.

Key Facts

Pigs demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, and complex emotional states in research
The UK Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 recognised vertebrate sentience in law
Pig sentience research includes studies of social cognition, pain, and positive emotions
Greater recognition of sentience justifies higher welfare standards
Public understanding of pig sentience correlates with greater welfare concern

Welfare Considerations

Scientific recognition of pig sentience provides the moral foundation for strong welfare standards. Communicating sentience evidence builds public and political will for welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Learn about pig sentience research and share this knowledge
Support legislation recognising and protecting animal sentience
Engage with sentience science as a foundation for welfare advocacy
Apply sentience recognition to food choices and advocacy positions