The animal rights movement is not a crusade against human nature. It is a slow, agonizing expansion of the moral circle. Two centuries ago, that circle excluded slaves and women. A century ago, it excluded many races and religions. Today, it still largely excludes the 70 billion land animals killed for food each year, plus countless more for science, clothing, and entertainment.
Animals should not be viewed as property. Proponents argue that animals have a right to live free from human exploitation, whether that be for food, clothing, or entertainment. Introduction The animal rights movement is not a
As science continues to prove the complex emotional lives and intelligence of animals, society is forced to confront its ethical inconsistencies. Whether through passing welfare legislation to ease suffering or recognizing rights to end exploitation, the trajectory is clear: the circle of moral concern is expanding to include the non-human world. A century ago, it excluded many races and religions