
The Sentient Animal
The sentient animal refers to animals capable of experiencing feelings, such as pain, pleasure, fear, and distress. Sentience involves having subjective awareness and the capacity for conscious experience. Recognizing animal sentience emphasizes that they are not just biological machines but beings with internal experiences. This understanding influences ethics, animal welfare, and conservation efforts, urging us to consider their well-being and avoid unnecessary suffering. Essentially, sentient animals are those that can feel and perceive their environment, making their treatment a moral concern.