Animal rights proponents argue for the legal entitlement to not be harmed, challenging the idea that basic animal interests can be disregarded for human preference.

Animal rights advocates argue that animals have inherent rights, including the right to life, liberty, and protection from exploitation. This perspective is often grounded in philosophical theories such as:

The tension between welfare and rights is playing out in courts and parliaments globally.

The scientific revolution of the last 20 years has blurred the line between the two camps. We now know empirically what pet owners have always sensed: animals have rich inner lives.