Animal Sentience Should Be The Key For Future Legislation

Authors

Margaret Landi
Lida Anestidou

Author Details

Dr. Margaret Landi serves on the Board of Trustees for the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare and Chimp Haven. Dr. Lida Anestidou is Managing Editor of the journal Science and Engineering Ethics.

First Page

257

Abstract

This Article posits that changes in U.S. laws and policies regarding animal experimentation depend on the recognition of animal sentience. Sentience—distinct from cognition and self-awareness—is the ability of an animal to experience pain, pleasure, and other emotions. First, this Article reviews the reasons animals are still used in biomedical research and the relevant characteristics of U.S. law. This is followed by a discussion of sentience and the concepts of cognition and self-awareness, and a discourse on societal interests. The Article concludes with an analysis of six bioethical principles considered central to the future of animal experimentation. Overall, conferring sentience would lead to the legal recognition of the moral status of animals. However, such change could only happen with true partnership between veterinarians, scientists, ethicists, lawyers, animal behaviorists, as well as representatives of the public.

Recommended Citation

Margaret Landi & Lida Anestidou, Animal Sentience Should Be The Key For Future Legislation, 2 Animal L. Rev. 257 (2024).
Available at: https://lawcommons.lclark.edu/alr/vol30/iss2/7