Animal Rights vs. Animal Welfare
The terms Animal rights and Animal welfare at first glance seem to mean the same thing. But in reality they are polar opposites. These two terms have spawned heated arguments, rabid supporters, and cost people much in the way of destroyed property and lost livelihood.
So what do these terms mean?
Animal rights, according to Wikipedia, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings. Advocates approach the issue from different philosophical positions, ranging from the protectionist side of the movement, presented by philosopher Peter Singer—with a utilitarian focus on suffering and consequences, rather than on the concept of rights—to the abolitionist side, represented by law professor Gary Francione, who argues that animals need only one right: the right not to be property. Despite the different approaches, advocates broadly agree that animals should be viewed as non-human persons and members of the moral community, and should not be used as food, clothing, research subjects, or entertainment.
Animal Welfare supports humane treatment and use of animals and believes that humans have a responsibility for their care. Animal Welfare includes responsible care of animals used by humans for service, research, food, education, those kept in zoos or sanctuaries, and especially those animals kept by pet owners. Animal welfare is based on a principle of ownership of animals, a common sense approach that animals should be treated well and that animal cruelty is wrong. Animal welfare sets standards and guidelines for animal use and management based on sound veterinary and animal husbandry research and practices.
Animal Rights groups routinely use false and unsubstantiated allegations of animal abuse or non-existent problems to raise funds, attract media attention, and bring supporters into the movement. For example, animal rights group’s campaign against breeding of dogs due to an "overpopulation crisis”
According to HSUS State of the Animals 2001, "There was, however, general consensus among most animal related organizations that the term pet overpopulation was not only difficult to define, but that it was also probably no longer an accurate catchphrase to describe the reasons for animals leaving their original homes, especially for dogs”
What is crucial to understand about the animal rights ideology is the determination of believers to force their doctrine onto the public at all costs, and the legal system is the new arena. If told by experts it is not a case of cruelty they will stop at nothing to apply pressure to obtain prosecution.
The really surprising part is the people and groups that support animal rights. Some of the biggest supporters are some of the biggest groups that are thought to help animals. To understand the goals, you must examine the beliefs of the leaders, not the campaigns that claim to be for the protection of animals. Some of these groups are The Humane Society of the United States, and PETA. Ultimately, the animal rights movement is not about bettering animal’s lives but about control. Animal rights organizations seek to end the use and ownership of ALL animals not just companion animals. Animal rights activists will continue to harm both people and animals as long as we do not understand their real mission.
So where do you stand?
Would you go so far as harming another human being to help an animal or do you realize that animals were put here for our use and our role is to make for sure animals are treated humanely but that they are still animals? Or maybe more importantly where does your neighbor stand?
So what do these terms mean?
Animal rights, according to Wikipedia, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings. Advocates approach the issue from different philosophical positions, ranging from the protectionist side of the movement, presented by philosopher Peter Singer—with a utilitarian focus on suffering and consequences, rather than on the concept of rights—to the abolitionist side, represented by law professor Gary Francione, who argues that animals need only one right: the right not to be property. Despite the different approaches, advocates broadly agree that animals should be viewed as non-human persons and members of the moral community, and should not be used as food, clothing, research subjects, or entertainment.
Animal Welfare supports humane treatment and use of animals and believes that humans have a responsibility for their care. Animal Welfare includes responsible care of animals used by humans for service, research, food, education, those kept in zoos or sanctuaries, and especially those animals kept by pet owners. Animal welfare is based on a principle of ownership of animals, a common sense approach that animals should be treated well and that animal cruelty is wrong. Animal welfare sets standards and guidelines for animal use and management based on sound veterinary and animal husbandry research and practices.
Animal Rights groups routinely use false and unsubstantiated allegations of animal abuse or non-existent problems to raise funds, attract media attention, and bring supporters into the movement. For example, animal rights group’s campaign against breeding of dogs due to an "overpopulation crisis”
According to HSUS State of the Animals 2001, "There was, however, general consensus among most animal related organizations that the term pet overpopulation was not only difficult to define, but that it was also probably no longer an accurate catchphrase to describe the reasons for animals leaving their original homes, especially for dogs”
What is crucial to understand about the animal rights ideology is the determination of believers to force their doctrine onto the public at all costs, and the legal system is the new arena. If told by experts it is not a case of cruelty they will stop at nothing to apply pressure to obtain prosecution.
The really surprising part is the people and groups that support animal rights. Some of the biggest supporters are some of the biggest groups that are thought to help animals. To understand the goals, you must examine the beliefs of the leaders, not the campaigns that claim to be for the protection of animals. Some of these groups are The Humane Society of the United States, and PETA. Ultimately, the animal rights movement is not about bettering animal’s lives but about control. Animal rights organizations seek to end the use and ownership of ALL animals not just companion animals. Animal rights activists will continue to harm both people and animals as long as we do not understand their real mission.
So where do you stand?
Would you go so far as harming another human being to help an animal or do you realize that animals were put here for our use and our role is to make for sure animals are treated humanely but that they are still animals? Or maybe more importantly where does your neighbor stand?