Research Tuesdays - Animal ethics

What does it mean to recognise that animals, from house cats to dairy cows, experience feelings just like ours? Does acknowledging the emotional complexity of other living beings change our responsibilities toward them?

Animal sentience—defined as the ability to experience positive and negative emotions, including pain—is increasingly understood in modern society, both in our daily dealings with animals and formally in legislation. We now know, through scientific investigation, that animals are sentient.

University of Adelaide’s researchers are investigating exactly what it means to acknowledge animal feelings in our homes, livestock farming, and zoos. They’re assessing the best ways to measure animal emotions, the practical challenges that arise in doing so, and the complex policy implications.

Their goal is to challenge the status quo and deepen our drive to protect animal wellbeing.

Join us in exploring what happens when we truly recognise our fellow animals’ feelings.

The presenters

Associate Professor Susan Hazel leads the Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Anthrozoology Lab in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Adelaide. She advises internationally and engages with the community extensively as a Board Member of the Dog & Cat Management Board of South Australia, RSPCA South Australia, and the South Australian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.  

Associate Professor Alexandra Whittaker is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Animal and Veterinary Science at the University of Adelaide and Director of the Evidence Synthesis Initiative for Animal and Veterinary Sciences. She is the recipient of a number of prestigious fellowships, honours and awards, including an NHMRC Peter Doherty Fellowship, Fresh Science Award, and South Australian Young Tall Poppy.