The first major challenge emerged from utilitarian thinkers. (1748–1832) posed the seminal question: "The question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?" Bentham’s focus on sentience rather than rationality laid the groundwork for both welfare and rights approaches.
The English philosopher laid an early foundation for animal welfare by shifting the focus from intellect to sentience. He famously wrote: "The question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?" The first major challenge emerged from utilitarian thinkers