Dear aaa,
Pain, fear, stress, trust, love, excitement – these emotions shape how we feel, how we think, and the decisions we make.
Animals experience their lives in much the same way. They are aware of their surroundings. They form memories, learn from experience, understand that actions have consequences, and see the world from their own unique point of view.
Whether it’s pigs, chickens, cows, cats, bears or tigers, animals are sentient beings, capable of feelings and emotional experiences.
We already know that trapping a wild animal in a cage for years causes extreme suffering. And it’s no surprise that poor treatment or inappropriate environments, often created by humans, can lead animals to experience fear, frustration, or distress. |
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Animals will actively avoid painful or stressful situations whenever they can.
But when they are given space, safety, and the chance to express their natural behaviours, something different emerges. Chickens explore, pigs forage, mother hens communicate with their unhatched chicks – behaviours that show curiosity, comfort, and connection.
What exactly is sentience?
Animal sentience refers to an animal’s capacity to feel – including the ability to experience positive and negative states such as pleasure, joy, grief, and even jealousy.
Recognising this is the foundation for change. Because when we acknowledge that animals are sentient, our laws, our industries, and our individual choices must reflect it. |
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Around the world, progress is already being made. Many countries now recognise animals as sentient beings – from the EU’s formal acknowledgment in the Treaty of Lisbon to national laws in the UK, New Zealand, France and Switzerland. These steps could help ensure animals are better protected, not just from suffering but supported in living meaningful lives. |
Some of the clearest expressions of sentience come from animals we rarely stop to notice.
Pigs, for instance, show a remarkable range of feelings in their daily lives. |
A closer look: Pigs
Feeling hot? Wallowing in mud is the only way to cool down.
Feeling hungry? Foraging for most of the day does the trick.
Feeling tired? Huddling together is the cosiest way to nap.
Feeling bored? Time to wrestle siblings and maybe forage some more. |
But what drives pigs to do all that? The answer is right there. Sentient animals naturally seek comfort. There’s more to pigs than meets the eye.
Our vision for animals
FOUR PAWS’ vision is for animals to be recognised as sentient beings and provided with the best possible quality of life – where good welfare is not simply about the absence of suffering, but about creating environments where animals can truly thrive. |
That’s why this World Animal Day on 4 October 2026, FOUR PAWS is calling for systemic, global recognition of animal sentience and for a compassionate society that treats animals with respect, empathy, and understanding.
For more than 100 years, World Animal Day has reminded us to care about animals. But care alone is not enough if animals are still treated as resources rather than beings with feelings.
It's time to acknowledge what animals feel – and let our actions reflect that. |
Warm regards,
Ana Oliveira
Global Donor Outreach Team |
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