Animals (Recognition of Sentience) Bill

This bill would legally recognise that animals can feel emotions and physical sensations like pain, pleasure and distress. It creates a new Animal Sentience Committee made up of experts who will examine government policies to see how they affect animal welfare. The committee will produce reports on whether policies properly consider animal feelings. Government ministers must respond to these reports within three months. The bill covers all animals with backbones and some sea creatures like crabs and lobsters. It does not change existing animal welfare laws or ban activities like farming or scientific research. Instead, it ensures the government considers how animals might be affected when making new policies. The government says this will improve animal welfare standards. Some worry it could create bureaucracy and legal challenges to government decisions.

• 1Legally recognises that animals can feel pain, pleasure and other sensations
• 2Creates an Animal Sentience Committee to review government policies
• 3Committee will report on whether policies properly consider animal welfare
• 4Government ministers must respond to committee reports within three months
• 5Covers animals with backbones plus some sea creatures like crabs and lobsters