There is now widespread recognition of the ‘sentience’ of animals, which reinforces our responsibility to protect their welfare. The European Union has officially recognized animals to be “Sentient Beings” (1997). Sentience implies that animals:
• Are aware of their own surroundings
• Have an emotional dimension
• Are aware of what is happening to them
• Have the ability to learn from experience
• Are aware of bodily sensations – pain, hunger, heat, cold etc.
• Are aware of their relationships with other animals
• Have the ability to choose between different animals, objects and situations
Of course, this surprises no one who has loved, lived with, and learned from animals. But it’s nice to have it “officially” recognized.