How far should animal rights go?

Answer 1

Currently, the vast majority of non-human animals have no rights at all, so any recognition of basic rights for non-human animals would seem like going too far for some people.

Many people believe that because most non-human animals do not have the ability to reason morally, or because they cannot have responsibilities, they cannot be given rights. But many humans who are very young, very old, or intellectually impaired also do not have the ability to reason morally, nor do they have responsibilities, but they are still afforded rights. Many other people believe that because non-human animals are sentient, they deserve moral consideration.

Currently, non-human animals have the same legal status as inanimate objects: they are the property of humans, or they are commodities or resources for human use. For the most part, humans are able to do whatever they please with their property: they can buy it, sell it, keep it locked up, or dispose of it in any way they see fit.

At some level, however, we recognize that animals are not inanimate objects but sentient beings: they feel pain, they suffer, they run away from danger, they nurture their young, and so forth. In some jurisdictions, some animals, especially those that are considered household pets, have been afforded some protections in the form of anti-cruelty laws. The problem comes when we try to justify why dogs and cats are protected under such laws, but pigs, cows, deer, chickens, turkeys, and fish, among many other animals, are not.

Most people believe that it is wrong to hurt others unnecessarily. Humans have no need to use non-human animals for food, clothing, transportation, entertainment, or any other purpose. Because most of these uses cause harm to non-human animals, many people are now beginning to realize that any such use is wrong.

For many people, the most basic right that should be afforded to non-human animals is the right not to be treated as property. When humans no longer treat animals as property, humans will respect non-human animals' rights to live their lives freely with their families and companions.