Petition · past parliament
Protect animal welfare! Keep EU law on animal sentience in UK law Post Brexit
Rejected
12 signatures
What the petition asks
MPs voted to reject including a crucial clause that would transfer the recognition of animal sentience into UK law post-Brexit. This means that they don't believe that animals suffer, feel pain or experience joy and contentment - they will no longer be required to pay full regard to their welfare.
They believe pigs and chickens being forced into pens so overcrowded they mutilate themselves/each other causes no pain or emotional harm - one example of hundreds of current welfare concerns.
The Lisbon Treaty Article 13 Title II:"The Union and Member States shall, since animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals"
It is the basis for the way we treat all animals and the foundation of animal welfare science.
Are we no longer a nation of animal lovers?
The Lisbon Treaty Article 13 Title II:"The Union and Member States shall, since animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals"
It is the basis for the way we treat all animals and the foundation of animal welfare science.
Are we no longer a nation of animal lovers?
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
12
Status
Rejected
Rejected
23 Nov 2017
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.