Animal agency

Animal agency refers to the capacity of animals to act independently and make choices based on their experiences, perceptions, and intentions. It highlights their ability to engage with their environment, solve problems, and exhibit behaviors that suggest a level of thought and decision-making. In discussions about animal minds, recognizing agency shifts our understanding of animals from being mere instinct-driven creatures to complex beings capable of planning, social interactions, and emotional responses. This perspective fosters a deeper appreciation of their welfare and the ethical considerations in how we relate to and treat them.