Under European law, animals are recognised as sentient beings, acknowledging their ability to feel pain, suffer and also experience joy. Securing this status for animals was a massive step forward for animal welfare in 1997. It was the biggest campaign that Sustain member Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) has ever run.
The recognition of animals as complex and intelligent creatures has been the cornerstone of European animal welfare legislation ever since. But the EU (Withdrawal) Bill (also known as the Repeal Bill), which moves all European law into UK law once we leave the EU, has left out this important protection. It is completely absent: both the recognition of animals as sentient beings, and the requirement for governments to pay 'full regard' to their welfare.
The Sustain alliance campaigns for greener, healthier and fairer food systems, for everyone. Find out more about our activities and support us here.
Good Food Trade Campaign: Campaigning for good trade that benefits people and the planet at home and overseas.
