[5] Before Brexit sentience was provided through Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which stated that states "shall, since animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals" when they formulate EU policies.

[10] Fears that the bill will infringe on "kosher and halal slaughter, game shooting, killing vermin on farms and testing medical products on animals" were raised in a letter written by several Tory donors.

[11] Further complaints were raised such as the notion that the UK has recognised animal sentience and that animal welfare has been around in the UK for 200 years (originally introduced in the Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act 1822).

[12] This sentiment was expressed by Nick Herbert in the House of Lords as well as by Daniel Hannan, arguing that the law is already clear on the issue.

The idea that the law in place is already enough may not be accurate after Brexit, Angus Nurse argues that leaving the EU will result in a step back in terms of animal rights, returning animals to the status of things.