New Zealand Amends Law To Recognise Animals As 'Sentient' Beings

Animals are finally recognised to have feelings in New Zealand. The country’s Animal Welfare Amendment Bill states that animals are “sentient” beings like humans.

“To say that animals are sentient is to state explicitly that they can experience both positive and negative emotions including pain and distress,” said Dr. Virginia Williams, head of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee. The change in New Zealand law marks another step in the effort to improve animal rights and welfare.

Williams believes the legal recognition of animals as sentient beings provided a stronger basis for the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act. Nelson SPCA manager Donna Walzi welcomed the changes and said they were “wonderful.”

Walzi added it was great to see the change in legislation. She explained that pets that are called to the attention of the SPCA have shown human-like emotions. “You can see that they do have separation anxiety and that’s showing emotion. It’s almost a human emotion,” said the SPCA manager.

SPCA Auckland’s submission on the bill said a declaration of sentence was needed since majority of laws in New Zealand pertaining to animals treat them as “objects” and “things” rather than as living creatures, reports Stuff. Walzi added that she hoped the new law would add more weight to cases of animal abuse and neglect in court.

The SPCA expects stricter penalties after the law is amended. The change would also serve as a bigger deterrent for people to avoid abusing animals. The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill also provides for a penalty scheme to allow low-to-medium level offending to be dealt with more effectively. Animal welfare inspectors will also have the power to issue compliance notices.

Dr Steve Merchant, New Zealand Veterinary Association president, said the bill has greater transparency, clarity and enforceability of animal welfare laws. He added that expectations on animal welfare are “rapidly changing” and conventional practices for pets and farm animals are no longer acceptable.

New Zealand has previously banned the testing of cosmetics on animals, reports Radio NZ. The Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy said animal welfare inspectors would be able to prevent animal abuse and punish the perpetrators.

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