Animals (Recognition of Sentience) Bill

A Bill to impose a duty on public bodies in relation to the welfare needs of animals as sentient beings.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Kerry McCarthyLabour (Co-op)

Parliament last updated

17 September 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Animals (Recognition of Sentience) Bill would recognise animals as sentient beings and require public bodies to consider their welfare needs when making policy and delivering services. It places a duty on public bodies to take those welfare needs into account in relevant decisions. The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons.

Key Points

Recognises animals as sentient beings for welfare purposes.
Imposes a duty on public bodies (central and local government) to consider animal welfare in policy and service delivery.
Aims to raise welfare standards across public sector decisions.
Originated in the House of Commons and is currently at the second reading.
If progressed, would typically move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny and further readings.

Progress

The bill is at its second reading in the House of Commons. It originally entered the Commons in 2019; after the second reading, it would normally move to a committee for detailed examination if it progresses.

Who is affected?

Animals (as sentient beings)Public bodies including central government departments and local authoritiesAnimal welfare organisations and charitiesMembers of the public who interact with public services on animal welfare

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

3 Apr 2019

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Animals (Recognition of Sentience)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Animals (Recognition of Sentience) Bill | TrackPolitics