Introduction: Animal sentience may be defined as the ability of non-human species to perceive, feel or experience subjective states. This concept is a central component of animal welfare research on the basis that the capacity for suffering necessitates consideration of well-being. Similarly, an individual’s belief in animal sentience is thought to influence public views on the ethical use of animals. However, there is little evidence among the literature of how the public constructs the concept of sentience itself (Spence et al., 2017). Improving scientific understanding of attitude formation regarding belief in animal sentience is therefore crucial, particularly in light of recent changes in public consumption of animal products.
Methodology: We investigated attitudes towards animal sentience as a method of understanding moral decision-making in relation to meat consumption and animal welfare. A modified Repertory Grid was used to investigate public perception as part of an online survey in which participant’s generated constructs relating to animal sentience. Participants (n = 5433) submitted a total of 26,542 constructs over a 3-month period.
Main Results: Analysis showed variation between demographic groups in their perceptions of characteristics considered critical for sentience, as well as characteristics subsequent allocation to differing species. The prominence of some characteristics (e.g. fear and pain) indicates a widespread belief in the capacity for suffering across species boundaries, contrasting with industry/scientific standards, which are largely mammal-centric. Across demographics, intelligence was commonly designated as unimportant for animal welfare despite being one of the most frequently submitted constructs.
Principal Conclusions and Implications for Field: These findings suggest that while clearly associated with increasing levels of sentience, intelligence may not be a critical factor in animal welfare decision-making processes among the public in comparison with the widely accepted constructs of fear or pain. This study represents an important advance in our understanding of public attitudes to animal sentience and welfare, which is essential for future progress in ensuring the ethical use of non-human species within society.