Given the definition of "sentience" in the book the article reviews -- the ability to experience things that feel good or bad -- I think the author's conclusion

Given the definition of "sentience" in the book the article reviews -- the ability to experience things that feel good or bad -- I think the author's conclusion gives a good ethical starting point: > When in doubt about the sentience stature of a living being, we should probably assume it is capable of experiencing pain and take all necessary precautions to prevent it from suffering. To presume the opposite can be unethical. And we should doubt our assumptions about the sentience of other living things.