Citation
Hanlon, Alison (2019) Sheep are sentient, but not identical. Animal Sentience 25(41)
Thread
Lori Marino and Debra Merskin, Intelligence, complexity, and individuality in sheep
Abstract
Marino & Merskin (M&M) provide a timely reminder that sheep have advanced cognitive abilities, but do we still have to provide evidence to justify animal sentience? In the EU, regulations are designed to support farm animal welfare. Whilst the regulations are imperfect, they do emphasize behavioural needs and other concepts relevant to sentience. The persistence of sheep welfare issues such as lamb mortality indicates that regulations may not be achieving their desired goal. We can quibble about the science described by M&M yet reach the same conclusion: sheep (lambs, ewes and rams) are not all identical, but they are all sentient.
DOI
10.51291/2377-7478.1497
Included in
Animal Studies Commons, Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, Other Animal Sciences Commons