Page 6 - PETS on the Other Side
P. 6

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.
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