Petition · past parliament
Repeal the decision to exclude animal sentience in the EU Withdrawal Bill
Rejected
11 signatures
What the petition asks
A clause to transfer recognition of animal sentience into UK law after Brexit has been voted against by MPs.
Sentience is the ability to feel and perceive things, such as pain and fear. Denying the scientific consensus that animals are sentient has far reaching consequences for animal welfare.
Sentience is the ability to feel and perceive things, such as pain and fear. Denying the scientific consensus that animals are sentient has far reaching consequences for animal welfare.
Recognising animals as sentient beings is vital for implementing and maintaining high animal welfare standards.
Further information:
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/bid-to-transfer-recognition-of-animal-sentience-into-uk-law-defeated/
https://www.farminguk.com/News/MPs-vote-to-reject-inclusion-of-animal-sentience-in-Withdraw-_47923.html
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.newscientist.com/article/mg21528836-200-animals-are-conscious-and-should-be-treated-as-such/amp/
Further information:
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/bid-to-transfer-recognition-of-animal-sentience-into-uk-law-defeated/
https://www.farminguk.com/News/MPs-vote-to-reject-inclusion-of-animal-sentience-in-Withdraw-_47923.html
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.newscientist.com/article/mg21528836-200-animals-are-conscious-and-should-be-treated-as-such/amp/
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
Timeline
| 19 Nov 2017 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 23 Nov 2017 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
11
Status
Rejected
Rejected
23 Nov 2017
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.