Pete the Vet: Our new understanding of animal consciousness

All animals — pets, horses, farm livestock and others — must be allowed to enjoy the 'five freedoms': freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, or disease; freedom to express normal behaviour (including having a social life); and freedom from fear and distress

Pete the Vet: 'five freedoms' might not extend to interrupting your working day, but they do apply across all animals

Humans have many unfair advantages over animals. We can ensure that our points of view are heard and addressed. We have voices. We can talk. We can write. We can organise meetings and protests.

Animals are powerless in comparison. They live their own lives, not so different in many ways from our own lives, but they are unable to influence the society around them. Their lives depend on human actions, yet they cannot engage in debate, discussion or campaigning to improve their lot.