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)

Last Updated

17 September 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would recognise animals as sentient beings and require public bodies to take their welfare needs into account when making decisions and setting policies. It creates a legal duty on the public sector to consider animal welfare in public decision-making. The overall aim is to ensure animal welfare is treated as a factor in public life.

Key Points

Recognises animals as sentient beings and their welfare needs.
Creates a legal duty for public bodies to have regard to animal welfare in decision-making and policy development.
Applies to public sector decision-making and actions across government departments, agencies, and local authorities.
Sponsored by Kerry McCarthy (Labour (Co-op)) in the House of Commons.

Progress

The Bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage and subsequent stages before a potential passage to the Lords.

Who is affected?

Public sector bodies (central government departments, agencies, local authorities, and other public bodies)Animals and animal-welfare groups (as the intended beneficiaries and stakeholders)Public sector policymakers and civil servants who must apply the duty

Generated 21 February 2026

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.