Animal sentience is valid

In reply to Fordyce Maxwell’s column, "When animals’ advocates shake off the leash and go over the top" (Opinion, 27 October), had he taken the time to read about the conference on animal sentience to which he refers, he would have seen it is being organised by Compassion in World Farming. I sent him the information as a matter of courtesy.

This conference will explore the latest scientific knowledge on the sentiency and learning abilities of non-human animals. Speakers and delegates include some of the world’s leading experts in animal and veterinary science, agriculture, conservation, food supply, retailing, government policy, education, philosophy and ethics.

It is unfortunate that Fordyce Maxwell chose to trivialise these issues, which have become increasingly important to governments, scientists and consumers alike.

When one considers the extent to which animals are used in today’s society - incarcerated on factory farms, experimented on in laboratories, caged behind bars in zoos, etc, I am sure most people believe the issues stemming from this new knowledge to be well worthy of attention and discussion.

ROSS MINETT

Director, Advocates for Animals

Queensferry Street

Edinburgh