Animal Rights Information
Animal rights comprise a philosophical position that animals should be given some of the same protections that are afforded humans. Those who believe in animal rights would assert that an animal should not be legally considered the property of a person, and many who hold this belief would argue that it is morally and ethically wrong to use an animal, or parts of animal, for food, research, clothing or entertainment.
The philosophy of animal rights has developed into a movement that has spawned the work of various organizations that range from the Humane Society of the United States to the Animal Liberation Front.
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19th Century
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The modern animal rights movement began in the 19th century as work toward preventing cruelty to animals. This movement rose up alongside other humanitarian causes of the day, including anti-slavery and women's suffrage. In 1800, a bill to stop bull baiting was introduced into the British Parliament and was the first anti-cruelty bill introduced. Twenty-four years later the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded.
20th Century
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In the mid-20th century, the prevalence of keeping a pet increased, and this led to more support for humane societies and other organizations working for better conditions for animals. In 1975, Peter Singer published the book "Animal Liberation." The publication has been described as the beginning of the modern animal rights movement. The movement throughout the 20th century had many victories. Several cosmetics companies, beginning with Avon, stopped testing their products on animals. General Motors stopped using live animals in its crash tests. Laws to protect pets and farm animals increased and animal welfare legislation passed at the local, state and federal levels.
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Organizations
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Among the best-known animal rights organizations, aside from the Humane Society of the United States and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is PETA --- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. It was founded in 1980 by activist Ingrid Newkirk. Other organizations include the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the American Humane Association, Farm Sanctuary, In Defense of Animals and the Animal Protection Institute.
Animal Liberation Front
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The Animal Liberation Front is different than many of the organizations that promote animal rights through legislation, education and protests. The ALF, a name used by activists who engage in direct action by removing animals from laboratories and sabotaging testing facilities, doesn't have members nor does it have a leader. It is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
Activists
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Among the best-known modern animal rights activists are Greg Avery, David Barbarash, Mel Broughton, Rod Coronado, Gary Francione, Barry Horne, Ronnie Lee, Keith Mann, Heather Nicholson, Howard Lyman, Tom Regan, Jane Goodall, Jill Phipps, Henry Spira, Bob and Jenna Torres, Andrew Tyler, Jerry Vlasak, Paul Watson, Jenny Stein, James LaVeck and Robin Webb.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Serafim_and_a_bear.jpg
