Animal rights movement refers to organized efforts opposing the use of animals for research, food, clothing, and human entertainment. People who support animal rights point out that most animals feel pain and distress and many show reasoning ability. They argue that, because of these qualities, animals deserve greater moral consideration and legal protections than human beings generally give them.
Most people agree that human beings have some obligations to animals, but they also believe that people can use animals for certain purposes. For example, they argue that research on a few animals can save many human lives.
Animal rights activists, also called animal rightists, focus on various projects. Some work to outlaw laboratory experiments on animals. Others teach that human beings do not need to eat animals for survival. Many activists protest the use of fur coats or leather products. They also oppose hunting and spectator sports in which animals may be treated inhumanely, such as bullfighting and dog racing.
The animal rights movement developed out of the animal protection, or animal welfare, movement. These movements have slightly different opinions on how animals may be used. The animal protection movement tends to accept the need to raise animals for food and to use them in some research if they receive proper care and do not suffer. In contrast, the animal rights movement opposes any use of animals that causes suffering or death. Public opinion polls show that most people agree with the less radical animal protection movement.
Organizations that protect animals typically run local shelters and rescue groups. They also raise millions of dollars each year. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) ranks as the world’s largest animal rights group. PETA has recruited many celebrities to help it challenge the use of animals for food, clothing, and research. Major animal protection organizations include the Humane Society of the United States and the World Society for the Protection of Animals.
The animal protection movement began to attract large numbers of supporters at the end of the 1800’s. It declined during and after World War I (1914-1918) but began to reemerge after World War II (1939-1945). The 1950’s saw the establishment of several new animal protection organizations, as well as the expansion of existing groups. During the 1970’s, the animal rights movement grew out of the animal protection movement. Both movements have expanded dramatically since the 1980’s.
