Commentary on Sections Introductory Section 1: Animals to which the Act applies
11.The Act will apply only to vertebrate animals, as these are currently the only demonstrably sentient animals. However, section 1(3) makes provision for the appropriate national authority to extend the Act to cover invertebrates in the future if they are satisfied on the basis of scientific evidence that these too are capable of experiencing pain or suffering.
12.In the case of Wales, the “appropriate national authority” means the National Assembly for Wales, and for England it means the Secretary of State.