The rapid deployment of AI in animal contexts raises urgent ethical and regulatory questions. How do we ensure that AI works for, rather than against, the interests of other species? Who audits the claims made by pet‑training apps that claim to read animal emotions? What happens when a driverless car is programmed to make choices that could kill an animal? Organisations such as the Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience at LSE have made developing clear standards for the ethically responsible use of AI when animals are affected one of their core missions.
The trajectory of human history points toward an expanding circle of moral consideration. While the radical goals of the animal rights movement challenge the core foundations of modern global economies, the incremental improvements sought by animal welfare advocates are steadily reshaping corporate supply chains, legal statutes, and consumer habits. Ultimately, the evolution of animal welfare and rights is not just a test of how we treat other species, but a reflection of human ethical progress. The rapid deployment of AI in animal contexts
18th Century 1970s 1980s [ Jeremy Bentham ] ------------> [ Peter Singer ] -----------> [ Tom Regan ] Focus: Sentience & Focus: Utilitarianism Focus: Inherent Value Ability to suffer & "Animal Liberation" & Deontology What happens when a driverless car is programmed
Millions of animals, including rodents, primates, and dogs, are used annually for biomedical research, toxicity testing, and educational purposes. While welfare laws mandate the (Replacement with non-animal alternatives, Reduction of animal numbers, and Refinement of procedures), rights groups advocate for a total ban, pushing for advanced technologies like organs-on-a-chip and computer modeling. Entertainment and Companion Animals While the radical goals of the animal rights