Petition · past parliament

Ensure animal sentience is recognised if the UK leaves the EU.

Rejected 15 signatures

What the petition asks

The recent European Union (Withdrawal) Bill Second Reading rejected an amendment to keep animal sentience recognised in law. Without any such right, animals will be abused, neglected and objectified. This cannot be allowed to occur. Parliament must recognise animal sentience.
"Green MP Caroline Lucas submitted an amendment clause (NC30), which sought to transfer the EU Protocol on animal sentience set out in Article 13 of Title II of the Lisbon Treaty into UK law, so that animals continue to be recognised as sentient beings under domestic law.

The New Clause was rejected with an 18 majority for the Government. 313 against, 295 in favour." - British Veterinary Association

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

Timeline

18 Nov 2017 Petition opened for signatures
23 Nov 2017 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 15
Status Rejected
Rejected 23 Nov 2017

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.