Animal sentience is an animal’s ability to experience positive and negative emotions such as joy, pleasure, pain, fear and distress. This concept recognizes that animals have subjective experiences – these emotions matter to the animal, shaping their experience of the world and influencing how they learn, respond, and adapt to their surroundings.
While the term ‘sentience’ may be newer, the concept is not. Concern for animals’ experiences is why organizations such as the BC SPCA were created over 125 years ago. We care about animal welfare because animals are sentient.
Why is animal sentience important?
Animal sentience is the key component of animal welfare initiatives. It has implications for how we treat and interact with animals in various contexts – from pets to wildlife and farmed animals. It acknowledges that animals can suffer if their needs are unmet, but can also thrive when they are met. Since animals are sentient, their welfare needs must be considered to better protect them. By doing so, we can do a better job of reducing animal suffering and promoting positive experiences.
Are all animals sentient?
Scientific research has provided strong evidence that many animal species are sentient. Key indicators of sentience include:
- Presence of pain receptors
- Brain structures like those associated with emotions in humans
- Behavioural responses to positive and negative situations
- Evidence of self-awareness
It is widely accepted that mammals are sentient. The BC SPCA believes that there is sufficient scientific evidence to indicate that other animals, such as birds, fish, and even some invertebrates, are also sentient.
Research has shown that fish and cephalopods (e.g., octopuses and squids) are sentient and capable of experiencing pain, fear and distress. For example, octopuses in the wild have been seen carrying coconut shells around so they can be used as shelter when threatened. Research also suggests that decapod crustaceans (e.g., crabs and lobsters) can feel pain. New research is also exploring the possibility of sentience in insects. For example, bees recognize the faces of other bees.
What is the current state of animal sentience in Canada?
Public perception
Representative polling* (PDF) commissioned by the BC SPCA in 2024 asked Canadians their views on animal sentience for 20 different groups of animals. The majority agreed that most animals are sentient. People were more likely to agree that animals they share their lives with are sentient – with dogs at 87% agreement, and cats at 82% agreement. Most people believed mammals (other than rats and mice) were more sentient than birds.
Legislation and veterinary stance
Quebec is leading the way in Canada by being the only province recognizing animals as sentient beings in the Civil Code of Quebec and its Animal Welfare and Safety Act.
B.C. has made recent advances in the Family Law Act, recognizing pets as family members rather than possessions. While the Act doesn’t specifically recognize that animals are sentient, its spirit is clear: animals are not the same as couches and should not be treated as such.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s position statement on animal sentience agrees that many species of animals can experience feelings in response to positive or negative stimuli.
What is next for animal sentience?
Animal sentience needs to be recognized by law. Current laws in Canada treat animals like property rather than living beings. If animal sentience were recognized by law, animal experiences would have to be considered in a broader range of contexts, and they could be better protected.
Currently, federal e-petition e-5114 is calling upon the Government of Canada to pass legislation that recognizes animals as sentient beings, rather than property. The petition closed on November 10, and received support from over 10,000 Canadians.
*Research Co. poll conducted for the BC SPCA April 3-5, 2024 (n=1,000 Canadian residents, margin of error +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20)
*Research Co. poll conducted for the BC SPCA October 2-4, 2024 (n=1,000 Canadian residents, margin of error +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20)