Animal Sentience Recognition Statements and the Importance of Animal Welfare

Abstract

This article sets out a typology of animal sentience recognition statements, with a view to better understanding the differences between them and the consequences that may eventuate if enacted, depending on the provision or proposed provision in question. This includes discussion of where animal welfare sits in the animal rights/welfare debate, public concern for animal welfare, the international and possible domestic trend towards enacting sentience provisions, and the purpose of legal provisions and proposed provisions that recognise animal sentience. This article also provides some concluding thoughts in relation to the proposed provisions and what they may herald for the future regulation of human-animal relationships.