The 3-Word Law Reform:
Copy and Paste Wording for your policies, laws and agreements
In its most basic form, the law reform advocated by the Sentient Animal Law Foundation can be viewed as a 3-word law reform.
The current law applies legal responsibilities to the human caregiver regarding the sentient animal's negative states ("anti-cruelty law). The law reform makes people responsible for the sentient animal's negative states "AND positive states".
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There are a number of pathways to achieving the necessary law reform. The Sentient Animal Law Foundation is focused on aligning with decision-makers in organisations whose objectives, activities and responsibilities involve standards of animal welfare.
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The positive animal welfare law reform seeks to implement the steps set out below. The reform is relevant to governments, NGO's and any organisation seeking to ensure that existing laws are fit for modern world purposes.
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​​There are 3 key inclusions to clearly implement positive animal welfare into your policy, law and agreements.
1
Explicit Legislative RECOGNITION
Include explicit legislative recognition of animals as sentient in the stated Purposes/Objects/Principles of primary legislation i.e.:
"This Act is to reform the law relating to the welfare of animals and, in particular, to recognise that animals are sentient."​
2
Explicit Legislative DEFINITION
Legislatively define “sentience” in a manner that utilises the terminology within the authoritative science of the Five Domains, stating:
“Sentience means that animals experience negative and positive [physical, mental and emotional] states”.
3
Provide SUPPORTING DEFINITIONS
Further enhance clarity by defining:
“negative states” as “negative states means an animal’s feeling or experience of pain, distress, or suffering”; AND
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“positive states” as “positive states means an animal’s feeling or experience of comfort, interest, or pleasure”.
Updating Existing Language
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SAL also advocates for replacing traditional animal welfare references to "pain, distress, and suffering" with terminology that explicitly includes both negative and positive states. This amendment ensures a comprehensive duty of care that aligns with modern animal welfare principles.
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For example:
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Current Language:
“Offences: (1) A person who does or omits to do any act with the result that unreasonable pain or suffering is caused…” (Victoria, Australia's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, s36)
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Proposed Update:
“Offences: (1) A person who does or omits to do any act with the result that the animal experiences unreasonable negative states or has inadequate opportunity to experience positive states…”
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These updates ensure that animal welfare law explicitly supports opportunities for positive experiences ('positive animal welfare') while continuing to address negative states ('anticruelty').​​​​
A Unified Framework for All Stakeholders
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Positive animal welfare law provides a common platform for governments, NGOs, producers, and consumers genuinely wanting to elevate standards of care.
By adopting clear, actionable definitions and legislative amendments, stakeholders can align their practices with modern science and public expectations. For organisations committed to positive animal welfare, this framework fosters collaboration on how to implement these standards effectively in practice.
The outcomes are improved animal welfare that aligns with and addresses broader economic, environmental, and social realities, including climate change, antimicrobial resistance, biodiversity loss, public health, societal well-being, and sustainability.
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Click on the icons below to find out more about key stakeholders we work with
Got Questions?
The Sentient Animal Law Foundation would be delighted to provide guidance, examples, or detailed recommendations for drafting legislation, trade agreements, or policies. Our experts can demonstrate why positive animal welfare law is a pragmatic, efficient, and impactful solution for addressing global issues within critical timeframes.
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We are available to present at conferences, summits, and events where "elevating standards of animal welfare" is on the agenda. Let us show you how defining sentience creates a modern, enforceable framework for meaningful change.
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