Law Pod UK 217: Animals as Legal Subjects
Mar 24, 2025
Edie Bowles, a solicitor at the Animal Law Foundation, and Dr. Rachel Dunn from Leeds Beckett University dive deep into the Animal Sentience Act and its implications for animal welfare laws. They discuss the newfound recognition of conscious creatures like cephalopods, raising ethical questions around suffering in food production. The conversation highlights enforcement challenges faced by organizations and the systemic reforms needed in practices like pig tail docking. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for effective legislation and accountability in animal welfare.
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Cephalopods And Crustaceans Recognised
- The Sentience Act recognises octopuses and lobsters as sentient beings beyond vertebrates.
- Rachel Dunn says this broadened recognition may push protective agendas but enforcement gaps remain.
Boiling Lobsters Could Be Unlawful
- Recognition of decapods activates protections against avoidable pain at the time of killing.
- Edie Bowles argues this creates a strong legal case that boiling lobsters alive is unlawful.
DEFRA And Local Authorities Share Enforcement
- Edie Bowles says DEFRA holds central regulation while local authorities handle much enforcement.
- She adds Food Standards bodies also play key roles for slaughterhouse oversight.
