Overview

• Dozens of scientists signed the New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness, highlighting the potential consciousness of animals from mammals to insects.
• The declaration, presented at a conference in New York, calls for a reevaluation of how animal welfare is considered in light of these findings.
• Research indicates that various animals, including octopuses and bees, exhibit signs of consciousness, such as pain perception and memory of past events.
• Critics at the conference expressed concerns about overstating scientific evidence, while supporters argue for the ethical implications of the findings.
• The recognition of animal consciousness could influence future legal and ethical standards for animal treatment.