In an unprecedented move, a group of nearly 40 top researchers on animal cognition have signed "The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness." The declaration, presented at a conference held at New York University, highlights the remarkable findings emerging from recent scientific studies and calls for a transformation in how both scientists and society view and care for animals.

Over the past five years, numerous discoveries have shattered long-held assumptions about animal cognition and sentience. Bees have been observed playing with wooden balls for what appears to be enjoyment, cleaner wrasse fish have shown recognition of their own reflections in underwater mirrors, and octopuses have displayed avoidance behaviors and reactions to anesthetic drugs, suggesting they may have experienced pain in the past.

These findings, along with many others, have led to the conclusion that a surprising array of creatures, including insects, fish, and certain crustaceans, may possess conscious thought or experience. The researchers behind the declaration argue that when there is a realistic possibility of conscious experience in an animal, it is irresponsible to ignore that possibility when making decisions that affect their welfare.

The declaration emphasizes that there is "strong scientific support" for the conscious experience of birds and mammals, and a "realistic possibility" of consciousness for all vertebrates, including reptiles, amphibians, and fish. It also extends the possibility of consciousness to creatures without backbones, such as insects, decapod crustaceans, and cephalopod mollusks like squid, octopus, and cuttlefish.

Jonathan Birch, a professor of philosophy at the London School of Economics and one of the signatories, describes this as an exciting time for the study of animal minds. Researchers are now daring to consider the possibility that animals like bees, octopuses, and cuttlefish may have some form of conscious experience.

While there is no standard definition for animal sentience or consciousness, it generally refers to an ability to have subjective experiences, sense and map the outside world, and potentially feel emotions like joy or pain. This new declaration challenges centuries-old beliefs that animals are mere "material automata" devoid of consciousness, proposing a more inclusive understanding of animal cognition.

Historically, animal consciousness was considered unanswerable or irrelevant. In the 17th century, philosopher René Descartes argued that animals lacked souls or consciousness, while early behaviorists in the 20th century focused solely on observable behavior rather than emotions or subjective experiences.

However, in recent decades, scientists have begun to reassess these views. Research into animal cognition has widened to include primates and now spans a broad range of species. New cognition tests have been developed, and surprising results have been obtained.

The "mirror-mark test" is one such test used to determine if an animal recognizes itself. Even cleaner wrasse fish, a small species unlikely to exhibit such behavior, have shown the ability to pass this test. They exhibited no reaction when confronted with a covered mirror but launched aggressive attacks toward their own reflections once the cover was removed.

Other studies have revealed signs of curiosity in zebrafish when introduced to new objects, the ability of cuttlefish to remember visual and olfactory stimuli, and the restorative effects of anti-anxiety drugs on crayfish subjected to stress.

As more species demonstrate these signs of consciousness, researchers are being forced to question not which animals are sentient, but rather which ones are not. This changing understanding of animal sentience could have major implications for U.S. law, which currently does not classify animals as sentient on a federal level.

Laws pertaining to animals in the U.S. primarily focus on conservation, agriculture, and the treatment of animals in zoos, research laboratories, and pet retailers. However, an increasing awareness of animal consciousness among the public can create a groundswell of support for raising protections, potentially influencing the evolution of animal welfare laws.

States like Oregon have already recognized animals as sentient beings capable of feeling pain, stress, and fear, with such recognition forming the basis of progressive judicial opinions. Washington and California are also considering bans on octopus farming, as scientific evidence indicates strong signs of sentience in these creatures.

The issue of animal consciousness is even gaining attention globally. British law was recently amended to recognize octopuses, crabs, and lobsters as sentient beings. With recognition comes the need for humane treatment, forcing a reassessment of traditional practices like dropping crabs and lobsters into boiling water.

The signing of "The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness" represents a pivotal moment in the field of animal cognition. It marks a shift towards a more comprehensive understanding of the inner lives and consciousness of animals, highlighting the need to consider animal welfare risks and use scientific evidence to inform decision-making.