Se sentire conta. La sofferenza animale tra morale e diritto

[Autom. eng. transl.] The topics related to sentiment, to the minimization of suffering and to animal welfare - albeit from different theoretical perspectives - enter into the construction of the rules for the protection of animals in an intertwining of epistemic, ethical and legal dimensions. This contribution offers a look at the interface between these dimensions - in particular with reference to the foundations of European law on animals - considering them as reciprocally connected, in the sense that, in the "democratic societies of knowledge", there is a relationship of mutual legitimation between knowledge and ethical-juridical normativity. From the provisions in individual regulatory areas to the inclusion of animals in the Treaty on European Union (EU), the protection of non-humans has taken root in Europe. Despite delays and inefficiencies, there are numerous institutional signals that push for a coherent completion of the legal path for the protection of sentient beings in which the advancement of knowledge on the abilities of animals is combined with the sense of moral cogency felt by a growing number of European citizens. : a path that, in the words of Maurizio Mori, can be defined as «the prospect of a new civilization».