13 September 2022

Animal sentience recognised in law

Legislation came into force in 2022 that recognises vertebrate animals (along with some invertebrate species such as lobster and octopus) as sentient beings. Put simply, sentience is the ability of a living being to feel, perceive and experience the world around them.

Redwings contributed to a public consultation that influenced the drafting of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act and warmly welcomed its addition to the range of UK animal welfare legislation. The new Act replaces existing recognition of animal sentience that had previously applied in this country through our membership of the European Union.

Redwings CEO Lynn Cutress explains that: “Existing UK laws such as the Animal Welfare Act (2006) and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act are invaluable in enabling organisations like Redwings to step in when a horse is not getting the care it needs. But by observing and interacting with hundreds of sanctuary residents each day, Redwings knows how much more is involved in a good quality of life than just absence of pain and suffering.

“Just like humans, animals need more than food, water and shelter to be content with their life. Companionship, space and freedom to graze are deep-rooted instincts for horses and here at Redwings we take our residents’ mental health as seriously as their physical health. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act is an important step in acknowledging our responsibility to consider an animal’s whole life experience as we care for them.”

The Act also required the introduction of a Sentience Committee, which had not been part of EU legislation. The new Committee is made up of independent experts and its job is to examine how effectively animal welfare is taken into consideration as part of government policy development and hold ministers to account on an issue that so many UK residents hold dear.

Redwings not only works with laws such as the Animal Welfare Act to enable the rescue of horses in urgent need of help, we also actively support the development and implementation of new legislation when needed. Carefully targeted and well-enforced regulations have an important role to play in preventing animal suffering and ensuring those of us who care for animals have the knowledge, resources and commitment to meet their full spectrum of welfare needs.