Animals Have Feelings Too, Acknowledges This Government

The United Kingdom becomes the first country to formally recognize animals as sentient beings, and the government is set to impose measures to guarantee the welfare of animals, to the delight of campaigners advocating for their wellbeing.

“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,” says James West, senior policy manager at Compassion in World Farming, a pressure group. “We are also delighted the government has confirmed it will legislate for a long-overdue ban on live exports for slaughter and fattening. We have been campaigning for this for decades: it is high time this cruel and unnecessary trade is finally brought to an end.”

Among the measures put in place, there will be the interruption of the exportation of most live animals and the banning of hunting trophies on UK soil. The measures will also apply to local farm animals and pets and animals abroad since there will be a ban on ivory, shark fins, and possibly foie gras.