Advocacy for animal welfare should encompass wildlife and invertebrates: A commentary

Animal advocacy has traditionally focused on domesticated animals such as farmed, laboratory, and companion animals. However, there is a growing recognition that the scope of animal advocacy needs to be broadened to include wild and intelligent animals, as well as invertebrates. This shift is not just an ethical imperative but a practical necessity, as the well-being of all animals directly impacts the health of ecosystems and ultimately, humans.

One of the key arguments for broadening the scope of animal advocacy is the interconnectedness of all life forms. Wild animals, liminal (intelligent) animals, and invertebrates play crucial roles in ecosystems and contribute to the overall health of the planet. For example, wild pollinators are responsible for pollinating a significant portion of insect-pollinated crops, yet they receive far less attention and protection compared to domesticated honeybees. By ignoring these animals in advocacy efforts, we are turning a blind eye to their suffering, which is often caused by human activities such as pesticide use and habitat destruction.

The lack of advocacy for specific species, such as wild pollinators, also makes it easier for harmful practices to continue unchecked. For example, traditional rodent management methods involving the use of rodenticides can lead to prolonged suffering for urban rats and pose risks to other species like birds and foxes. By advocating for more ethical alternatives, such as contraceptives for rodent control, we can reduce the suffering of these animals and minimize the impact on other species and ecosystems.

Sentience, or the capacity to experience feelings and sensations, is often used as a benchmark for granting non-human animals protection. Despite growing evidence of sentience in various species, legal protections for animals like fish, both wild and domesticated, remain weak. It is essential to include all sentient beings in advocacy efforts, as their well-being is interconnected with that of humans and the environment. For example, wild animals play a crucial role in maintaining ecological stability, and their decline can have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human health.

Several animal welfare organizations have recognized the importance of advocating for a broader range of species. Organizations like Paris Animaux Zoopolis in France and Sentience in Switzerland are focusing on neglected species such as liminal animals and invertebrates. By adopting an Effective Altruist approach and developing specific asks for each species, these organizations are working towards expanding the moral circle to include all sentient beings.

In conclusion, broadening the scope of animal advocacy to include wild and intelligent animals, as well as invertebrates, is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity. By recognizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and advocating for the well-being of all sentient beings, we can create a more compassionate and ethical world where justice and equity extend to all living creatures. It is time to act now to protect the diverse and essential species that share our planet.