What is the meaning of “animal rights”?
Animal rights is a philosophy and movement founded on compassion for animals and the right of all beings to live free from exploitation. Animals, like humans, experience pain and pleasure. Whatever happens to an animal – whether she is confined or free, neglected or nurtured – means a world of difference to her, even if it matters to no one else. Recognizing this, animal rights advocates maintain that animals exist not for our use but for themselves, and that we do not have the right to intentionally exploit, hurt and kill animals simply because we are able.
