Animal Rights

Do animals have rights? Many people believe they should and do have rights. Animal activists often gather in various organizations to protect animals from being used for things that they consider cruel or unusual. Their work often makes a huge difference in how animals are treated.

Why would people believe animals should have rights? Animal-rights activists believe that since animals can feel pain and distress and since some animals can even reason, then they should not be used for things such as experimental tests, human entertainment, or food. Other activists believe that animals should not be used for clothing. For example, these believers in animal rights are against anyone wearing fur coats or clothing made from leather. Many animal activists fight for the rights of animals in specific categories. For example, some might fight for animal rights in developing medicines, while others might raise awareness against animals being used for food.

One way activists help animals is by operating rescue groups for hurt animals or animals that are in danger. People often give large monetary donations to help these groups run shelters. Major organizations exist all over the world to help fight for animal rights. The popularity of these groups seems to have expanded in the last few decades, in part, because many organizations now have celebrity endorsements to help spread their message. Also, the expanded use of technology has helped spread their message to more and more people.