I love animals. I believe that in my home, me and my partner have a strong bond with our dog and we have no doubt that it is a sentient, consciously loving creature, capable of suffering and reflection (given its capabilities). It is worth knowing that bees literally play by rolling cellulose balls, while wrasses (small, colorful fish) recognize their reflection in the mirror, and octopuses avoid places that may be associated with pain. This all suggests that many species can be aware of their surroundings and experience emotions, leading to significant debate about their broader sensitivity.
The latest discoveries in this field prompted a group of about 40 scientists to publish joint statement – it is the “New York Declaration of Animal Awareness”. The paper was presented at a recent conference at New York University and shows that there is strong scientific support for the idea that birds and mammals, as well as many other vertebrates, possess some type of consciousness. These species include not only mammals, but also fish, reptiles, amphibians and even some invertebrates such as octopuses, crabs and some insects.
In their statement, the scientists emphasize that if there is a real possibility that an animal senses its surroundings consciously, this should be taken into account when making decisions about their well-being. In this way, the new declaration challenges the current, long-held view that animals are mostly… “automatons”, deprived of the ability to feel emotions and are driven to action only by instincts, which has dominated science for centuries. Even in the 17th century, philosophers claimed that animals do not feel pain. Everyone with an animal knows how idiotic this assumption is. It so happens that I will be at the vet today (around 3 p.m., October 22, 2024) with my chihuahua and I will be sad to see that regular injections cause pain to my dog. I prefer not to imagine his illness and long-term, intense suffering.
Fortunately, research into animal consciousness has advanced significantly in recent years. In recent years, scientists have been conducting cognitive tests on an increasing number of species, with unexpected results. For example, in a study of wrasses (the fish mentioned above), they passed the mirror reflection test, which was previously considered an ability reserved for highly intelligent animals such as dolphins or chimpanzees.
Similar observations apply to other species: zebrafish, which show curiosity about new objects in their environment, and crayfish, which return to normal behavior when given anti-anxiety drugs in stressful situations. Indeed, many animals may have the ability to consciously sense their surroundings. Why do bees play with cellulose balls? Various countries limit a certain type of awareness of animals and, therefore, regulations regarding their welfare to quite a narrow group of species. Everything indicates that this range is significantly underestimated.
What does the law say about this?
Some countries, such as the UK, have already recognized octopuses, crabs and lobsters as sentient beings, requiring the industry to use more humane methods of handling these animals. In Poland, issues related to the humane treatment of animals are regulated primarily by the Animal Protection Act of 1997, which defines an animal as a being capable of suffering and imposes an obligation to protect its life and health.
The Act introduces a ban on animal cruelty and specifies that any action that causes unjustified suffering to an animal is unacceptable. In Poland, there are penalties for animal cruelty, which may include fines, restriction of liberty, and in drastic cases – imprisonment. And I must leave some room for my assessment here: “ordinary” animal abuse in Poland is punishable by a fine, restriction of liberty or imprisonment for up to 3 years. In the case of particularly cruel abuse – from 3 months to 5 years + compulsory compensation for for animal protection in the amount of at least PLN 1,000. The court may also order a ban on owning animals for a period of 1 to 15 years. In the case of (badly speaking) “ordinary” abuse, compensation is optional. These penalties are downright ridiculous. Killing an animal that feels pain and suffers should be punished in a much more severe way.
One of the areas that arouses great interest in Poland is the issue of animal slaughter, especially in the context of ritual slaughter. There have been numerous debates in the country about the validity and humaneness of this form of slaughter, as well as its impact on animal welfare. Ritual slaughter is ultimately permitted under certain conditions, under European Union regulation, with minimizing animal suffering being key.
In Poland, non-governmental organizations are developing and operating that monitor compliance with animal protection regulations and intervene in cases of their violation. The Viva! and Otwarte Klatki foundations conduct educational and lobbying campaigns aimed at improving the living conditions of farm animals, as well as raising public awareness of animal rights. In addition, they influence politicians to pay more attention to the well-being of our “lesser brothers”, which is a useful form of action.
Despite existing regulations, challenges related to animal protection in Poland remain valid, and debates on raising animal protection standards, including recognizing additional species as sentient and requiring special protection, are part of wide-ranging discussions both nationally and internationally.
Which animals are protected in Poland?
In Poland, the Animal Protection Act covers a wide range of animal species, including domestic, farm and wild animals. In particular, the Act applies to vertebrate animals, i.e. animals that have a nervous system that allows them to feel pain and suffering. This means that all mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish are under legal protection under this Act.
Additionally, the act distinguishes between pets, farm animals, animals used for entertainment and sports purposes, as well as laboratory and wild animals. In each of these cases, the regulations provide for detailed rules regarding the care and treatment of animals.
It is worth mentioning, however, that in the case of invertebrate animals (including insects and molluscs), legal protection is not as developed as in the case of vertebrates. Nevertheless, in Poland and, apparently, also in the world, awareness of the possible cognitive abilities and sensitivity of some invertebrates is growing, which may lead to further legislative changes in the future. An example is the above discussions about the humane treatment of crustaceans, which in Great Britain have already been recognized as sentient beings.
Introductory graphics: it’s just my dog. Meet Yoda. 🙂
Source: antyweb.pl
