Humane World for Animals co-led the successful campaign to secure recognition of animal sentience in law, supported by an alliance of more than 50 animal protection organisations. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act came into force in May 2023, and created the Animal Sentience Committee, a body whose work we support and amplify. Through working with the Committee, in 2026 we helped ensure that the impact of policy proposals on animals and their welfare needs was added to the Treasury’s ‘Green Book’ (central government policy evaluation handbook) as a factor that policymaker should consider.

Humane World UK has been invited to contribute significantly to the development of several animal welfare strategies including, most recently, the 2021 ‘Action Plan for Animal Welfare’ and the Labour Government’s 2025 Animal Welfare Strategy for England. We work with Ministers and with MPs from across the political spectrum to help turn these strategic plans into meaningful actions, as well as to hold governments to account for their delivery.

Recognising animal sentience – principles for effective legislation

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