Animals can experience feelings in a similar way to us. This is called sentience 

Animal sentience refers to the capacity of animals to have subjective experiences, emotions, and sensations. It means they can feel pleasure, pain, joy, fear, and a range of other emotions, similar to how humans do. The concept of sentience acknowledges that animals are sentient beings, capable of experiencing the world in their unique ways, with their individual needs and desires. Recognising animal sentience is crucial for promoting ethical treatment, welfare, and compassionate care of animals across the globe. It also underlines the importance of considering their well-being when making decisions that affect them, such as in scientific research, agriculture, and pet ownership. Understanding and respecting animal sentience contribute to building a more empathetic and harmonious relationship between humans and other living creatures on our planet.

Session Aims 

To recognise that all animals are sentient

Session Objectives 

Learners can recognise that an animal has the ability to experience their own  feelings in a similar way that they do

Learners can give an example why an animal’s feelings matter

Learners can explain how the wellbeing of an animal  is determined by their actions