The "Animal Welfare - A Measure of a Nation" Group aims to encourage discussion on Animal Welfare matters in the understanding that by improving conditions for all animals we build a more just, sustainable and humane world for ALL sentient beings.

• "Because it is how we, as individuals and as a nation treat our animals, so we treat our children, the less fortunate, the poor and the disenfranchised in our midst." - Clemens 2009
• "What else is it that should trace the insuperable line? Is it the faculty of reason, or, perhaps, the faculty of discourse? But a full-grown horse or dog is beyond comparison a more rational, as well as a more conversable animal, than an infant of a day, or a week, or even a month old. But suppose the case were otherwise, what would it avail? The question is not, "Can they reason?" nor, "Can they talk?" but, "Can they suffer?"" - Jeremy Bentham 1748-1832
• In 1997 the concept of animal sentience was written into the basic law of the European Union. The legally-binding Protocol annexed to the Treaty of Amsterdam recognises that animals are ‘sentient beings’, and requires the EU and its Member States to ‘pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals.’