The cognition, cornerstone of animals’ emotions and welfare

Abstract

The welfare of animals under the responsibility of humans is a major social issue. Animals used for scientific purposes have been subject to regulations at European level for some forty years, which have been significantly strengthened since Directive 2010/63/EU in order to minimise stress and pain during the application of experimental protocols and to reduce the number of animals used, particularly through the development of alternative methods. Taking account of animal welfare and the development of associated regulations is largely based on legal and scientific recognition of the sentience of non-human animals. This article begins by illustrating the richness of animals’ emotional and cognitive skills, which shape the way they perceive their environment. Next, the nature of consciousness in animals is discussed in terms of both the simple cognitive processes underlying emotions and more elaborate processes. Finally, the concept of animal welfare is analysed from the point of view of the mental life of animals.