We partnered with The Centre for Animals & Social Justice (CASJ) for our conference on 22 November. The event, entitled ‘Ecocentric Ethics: Exploring Our Responsibilities to Non-Human Animals and the Environment’, saw a range of renowned speakers present their expertise regarding the social and political reforms that are essential to help fulfil humanity’s moral responsibilities to other animals and nature in general.
One of the central themes of the event was the proposal, championed by the Schweitzer Institute and CASJ, for a Government Animal Protection Commission (APC) as a vital step to start giving the welfare of nonhuman animals the consideration and protection they deserve (see the link below). As part of this theme we examined the recently-established Animal Sentience Committee, which has the remit of holding the UK Government to account for how it considers animal welfare in policy-making. As the first body of this particular type, it could be seen as an embryonic forerunner of a more substantial APC. So its early activities will provide fascinating clues as to the possible future development of animal protection policy-making.
Conference speakers included Dr Dan Lyons from the CASJ, Prof. John Nolt (Schweitzer Fellow, Peterhouse), Prof. Robin Attfield (Cardiff University), Prof. Jane Holder (UCL), Dr. Penny Hawkins (RSPCA and member of Animal Sentience Committee), Dr Jonathan M Hoffmann (Witten/Herdecke University), and Dr. Jan Deckers (Newcastle University). The day's schedule is published below.
The conference was held in the Runcie Room at the Divinity Faculty at the University of Cambridge.
Videos of the talks will be uploaded shortly.
SCHEDULE
09:00 Introduction: Benedict Rattigan, Director of the Schweitzer Institute
09:05 Prof John Nolt outlined the work he has been undertaking as this year’s Schweitzer Research Fellow at Peterhouse, Cambridge
09:20 Dr Jonathan M Hoffmann (Witten/Herdecke University) spoke on institutional means to enhance the consideration of animals and other affected entities
10:15 Dr Dan Lyons (CASJ) on the Centre for Animals & Social Justice
11:10 Tea break
11.40 Dr Penny Hawkins on the experience she has gained through her work on the ‘Animal Welfare Surveillance’ report while on the Liaison Group of UK Animal Welfare Bodies, and membership of the Animal Sentience Committee
12.35 Prof Jane Holder (UCL) on the working of the Animal Sentience Committee
13:30 Lunch break
14:30 Prof Robin Attfield (Cardiff University) on the ethics of the climate crisis
15:25 Dr Jan Deckers (Newcastle University) asked, ‘Is veganism morally required to protect global health?’
16:20 Tea & discussion
17:00 End
Date: 22 November 2024
Time: From 09:00 until 17:00
Venue: Runcie Room, Faculty of Divinity
University of Cambridge, Sidgwick Site
25 West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9EF