Animals are to be formally recognized as sentient beings in UK law for the first time, in a victory for animal welfare campaigners, as the British government set out a suite of animal welfare measures including halting most live animal exports and banning the import of hunting trophies.
The reforms will be introduced through a series of bills, including an animal sentience bill, and will cover farm animals and pets in the UK, and include protections for animals abroad.
James West, senior policy manager at Compassion in World Farming, a pressure group, said some of the measures were the subject of protracted campaigns: “We have long been calling for UK legislation that recognizes animals as sentient beings and for sentience to be given due regard when formulating and implementing policy. It is high time this cruel and unnecessary trade is finally brought to an end.”
He called for the government to go further, and ban the use of cages.
Claire Bass, executive director of Humane Society International/UK, said: “Delivering on the plan will require understanding and real commitment. Respect for animal welfare is not only the right thing to do for animals, it will also play a critical role in tackling global environmental and public health challenges such as climate change, antibiotic resistance, and pandemic prevention.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/12/animals-to-be-formally-recognised-as-sentient-beings-in-uk-law
