They have the ability to enjoy life’s basic gifts.

There is now abundant scientific evidence that animals are sentient beings, with the capacity to experience ‘feelings’. They have the ability to enjoy life’s basic gifts as well as the ability to suffer emotionally (as well as physically) through cruel or unkind treatment, deprivation and captivity.

This new understanding of the sentience of animals has huge implications for the way we treat them, the policies and laws we adopt, and the way in which we educate our children.

Here you will find a growing collection of readings for teachers and parents interested in developing a deeper understanding of animal welfare education and the development of prosocial behaviours, empathy and compassion in children and young people.