The (Symbolic) Legislative Recognition of Animal Sentience

Authors

M.B. Rodriguez Ferrere, The George Washington University Law School

First Page

117

Abstract

This Article will draw conclusions from the legislative recognition of animal sentience in animal welfare legislation of Oregon, New Zealand and Quebec. A range of jurisdictions have, in recent times, amended their animal welfare legislation to recognize that animals are "sentient." While seemingly a progressive and welcome advance, there are a range of reasons to doubt the actual impact of such amendments. The limited impact of the amendments within animal welfare case law in these jurisdictions appear to confirm these doubts. This Article questions whether such symbolic amendments are benign or have a damaging effect on the attempt to reform and advance animals' interests within the law.

Recommended Citation

M.B. R. Ferrere, The (Symbolic) Legislative Recognition of Animal Sentience, 28 Animal L. Rev. 117 (2022).
Available at: https://lawcommons.lclark.edu/alr/vol28/iss1/6