Recognition of animal sentience in law is expanding but its application to policy decisions remains inconsistent.
Legal recognition of animal sentience creates an obligation for governments to consider animal wellbeing in policy decisions. However, the gap between recognition and practice remains large. Agricultural exemptions continue to permit practices that would be illegal if applied to pets. The Animal Sentience Committee in the UK can produce reports on how government decisions affect animal welfare but has limited enforcement powers. Progress in extending sentience recognition to fish and invertebrates is slow despite scientific evidence.