Overview

This bill establishes an Animal Sentience Committee in the UK. The Committee will review government policies to assess their potential negative impact on animal welfare, considering animals as sentient beings. It will report its findings and recommendations to Parliament, prompting the government to respond.

Description

The Animal Sentience Committee

The Secretary of State will create and maintain the Animal Sentience Committee, appointing its members. The Committee will examine existing and proposed government policies to determine if they adequately consider the potential negative effects on animal welfare, defined as the well-being of animals that feel things. The Committee can issue reports with recommendations for policy improvements. These reports must be made public.

Committee Reports and Government Response

The Committee's reports will be published, and the Secretary of State must present a parliamentary response within three months. The bill excludes policies under devolved legislative competence (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, except where the UK Secretary of State is involved).

Definition of "Animal"

The bill defines "animal" as any vertebrate (except humans), cephalopod mollusc (e.g., octopus), or decapod crustacean (e.g., crab). The Secretary of State can expand this definition via regulations to include other invertebrates, subject to parliamentary approval.

Other Provisions

The bill also includes provisions to ensure the Committee's records are appropriately managed under the Public Records Act 1958 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. Costs will arise from establishing and maintaining the Committee, including staff salaries, operational expenses, and the publication of reports. The exact amount will depend on the Committee's size and activities.

Groups Affected

• Animals: The bill aims to improve their welfare by ensuring government policies consider their sentience.
• Government: Departments will need to consult the Committee's reports and respond accordingly, potentially leading to policy changes.
• Parliament: Parliament will receive the Committee's reports and the government's responses, influencing the legislative process.
• The Public: The public will have access to the Committee's reports and can engage in the debate on animal welfare.

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