Page 6 - PETS on the Other Side
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The declaration concludes that “non-human animals have the
neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and neurophysiological substrates of
conscious states along with the capacity to exhibit intentional behaviors.
Consequently, the weight of evidence indicates that humans are not unique
in possessing the neurological substrates that generate consciousness.
Non-human animals, including all mammals and birds, and many other
creatures, including octopuses, also possess these neurological substrates.”
The important question is … did this declaration make any difference? What were
these scientists and others going to do now that they agreed that consciousness is
widespread in the animal kingdom?
In addition to the Cambridge conference, the European Union’s Treaty of Lisbon
(2009) recognized that animals are sentient beings and called on member states to
“pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals” in agriculture, fisheries,
transport, research and development and space policies.
We should all take responsibility to stop the disrespect and abuse of millions upon
millions of conscious animals in the name of science, education, food, clothing and
entertainment. We owe it to animals to use what we know on their behalf and to
factor in compassion and empathy into our treatment of them.