One area of animal law currently undergoing rapid change is the legal recognition of animal sentience. Recent laws in New Zealand (2015), Spain (2021), the United Kingdom (2022), and other jurisdictions have recognized certain kinds of animals as sentient beings owed various responsibilities or consideration. Materials which discuss this topic are listed below.
Animals to be formally recognised as sentient beings in domestic law (press release)
UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, May 13, 2021.