Peter conceived the idea of having animals recognised in European law as ‘sentient beings’ - capable of feeling pain and discomfort – rather than as mere ‘goods’ or ‘products’. Peter was undaunted by influential people within the animal welfare movement telling him this was unachievable. Compassion in World Farming launched a pan European petition and presented the European Parliament with over one million signatures. At the time, this was the largest petition MEPs had ever received. After 10 years of campaigning by Peter and his staff, animals were finally legally recognised by the European Union as sentient beings. This remarkable achievement is now bringing about a profound change in the way that animals of all kinds are regarded.