animal rights

American  

plural noun

1. the rights of animals, claimed on ethical grounds, to the same humane treatment and protection from exploitation and abuse that are accorded to humans.

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animal rights British  

plural noun

1. 1. the rights of animals to be protected from exploitation and abuse by humans

   2. ( as modifier )

      the animal-rights lobby

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Etymology

Origin of animal rights

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Prosecutors allege Hsiung, a 44-year-old lawyer and co-founder of two California-based animal rights groups, entered a facility that breeds dogs for medical testing and stole property: beagles.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

This view is echoed by Anke Bakker, who is Amsterdam group leader for a Dutch political party that focuses on animal rights – Party for the Animals.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Synthetic, cheaper alternatives have gained traction, and animal rights activists continue to push dropping the real thing.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Nearly a year after the Los Angeles Zoo shipped off Billy and Tina to Oklahoma, animal rights activists have kept up the call to move the elephants to a sanctuary.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Of course, many people in the animal rights movement thinks even a farm like Polyface is a “death camp.”

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan