Animal rights (also called animal liberation) is the idea that animals deserve to be treated fairly, just like humans do. It says that animals should not be exploited or abused for human purposes. That means things like using animals in circuses or zoos, experimenting on them, or trading their fur should all be treated as wrong, and covered by strict laws.
Statistics on animal abuse reveal that millions of animals suffer from such practices every year in the United States alone.
In 1822, Colonel Richard Martin (the MP for Galway County in Ireland) introduced the Ill Treatment of Horses and Cattle Bill. Also called the Martin's Act, it was the first major law ever passed to protect animals.
Animal Rights Movement
Also known as the animal liberation movement or animal advocacy movement, this is a global program that seeks to end the difference in how humans and animals are treated under the law. Supporters believe humans should treat non-human beings in a humane manner, and not as if they were property.
The movement strongly opposes animal testing, the use of animals in entertainment, and the use of animals in the clothing industry and food production.
The animal rights movement follows a three-tier structure: (i) philosophical debate, (ii) legal development, and (iii) direct action.
Interesting Facts about Animal Rights
► Many people think animal rights began in 1975 when Peter Singer published his famous book Animal Liberation. But the movement actually started much earlier, with the formation of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) back in 1866. The ASPCA was formed by Henry Bergh to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.
► In 1966 (exactly a hundred years after the ASPCA came into existence) Congress passed the Animal Welfare Act. This is the main law that covers the treatment of animals in the United States today. Since it was passed in 1966, it has been amended six times: in 1970, 1976, 1985, 1990, 2002, and 2007.
► Despite being the main law regulating the treatment of animals in the United States, it has often been criticized. Critics say it leaves out animals bred for research and food, as well as cold-blooded animals.
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► Two other big milestones came in the late 1970s. The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) was formed in 1979 to protect animals through the court system. Then, in 1980, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was founded. PETA has since become the largest animal rights group in the world, with over 3 million members worldwide.
► Besides the Animal Welfare Act, each of the 50 states of the Union has its own laws on animal cruelty. Of these, 46 states have felony penalties for certain forms of animal abuse.
► According to the data compiled by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the states of California, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, and Oregon have the best anti-cruelty laws in the country. In contrast, Kentucky, Iowa, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Wyoming have the weakest laws, and are considered the worst states for animals.
► In 2002, Germany became the first European country to give constitutional rights to animals. Switzerland had already added animals to its constitution in 1992, but later rewrote that entire constitution in 1999. Even so, Switzerland still has very tough animal protection laws in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the ASPCA founded?
1866, by Henry Bergh
What is the Animal Welfare Act?
The main US federal law regulating the treatment of animals, passed by Congress in 1966
Which country first gave animals constitutional rights?
Germany, in 2002
What is PETA?
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the world's largest animal rights group, founded in 1980
How many US states have felony penalties for animal cruelty?
46 out of 50 states
► Even the Nazi Party put into place some tough laws to protect animals when they came to power in 1933. Adolf Hitler is believed to have said "Im neuen Reich darf es keine Tierquälerei mehr geben." ("In the new Reich, no more animal cruelty will be allowed.")
► Throughout history, many great thinkers have spoken out against cruelty to animals, including Pythagoras, Charles Darwin, Jeremy Bentham, and Frances Power Cobbe. Famous animal rights supporters today include Bob Barker, Anita Roddick, Betty White, Peter Singer, and Ellen DeGeneres.
► One activist who stands out is Henry Spira, founder of Animal Rights International. He was one of the most effective animal rights advocates of the 20th century. He used a strategy of public pressure (called reintegrative shaming) to challenge the American Museum of Natural History and cosmetics company Revlon, pushing them to change how they treated animals.
Laws against animal cruelty do exist, but many need to be made stronger and enforced more widely at the local level.
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