AI systems increasingly shape the lives of animals – in farming, research, wildlife management, and beyond – yet animals are largely absent from the frameworks now being written to govern AI. AIGAH is a civil-society policy initiative that wants to change that: building the evidence base, engaging policymakers, and connecting the people who can put animals on the AI governance agenda.
Mapping how AI systems affect animals and where existing and emerging regulation – from the EU AI Act to UK frameworks – leaves them out.
Translating research into concrete proposals for policymakers, advocates, regulators, and standards bodies in Brussels, London, and beyond.
Convening researchers, advocates, and technologists so that animal interests are represented wherever AI governance is decided.
Live – closes 23 July 2026
The EU AI Office is consulting on draft guidelines for classifying high-risk AI systems under the AI Act. AI failures in animal contexts – such as automated climate control in livestock housing – fall squarely within the risks the guidelines address, yet the draft contains no livestock example. We have prepared a guide for responding within the consultation's scope.
In progress – expected August 2026
The GPAI Code of Practice names non-human welfare as an example of systemic risk, but offers no definition or assessment method. We are developing operational criteria to close that gap, for circulation ahead of the Code's first review in 2027.
In progress – expected October 2026
A systematic map of where EU and UK regulatory frameworks leave animals out of AI governance – around 30 intervention points, built as a shared resource for advocacy organisations.
Dr Henrike Gätjens
Hi, I'm Henrike. I founded AIGAH in 2026 to bring animals into the conversations and decisions happening now in AI governance. Before that, I did a PhD in the history of science, facilitated the Sentient Futures AI×Animals Fellowship, and assisted Max Taylor with his forthcoming book AI, Animals, and Us (HarperOne, 2027). I'm based in Cambridge, UK.
Occasional updates on our research, policy work, and events.
Or write to us: hello@aigah.org