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

Now vaguely older, the girls have become figureheads for opposing sides, with Glinda an Emerald City influencer and Elphaba an animal rights activist: the lime-colored embodiment of Greenpeace.

From Los Angeles Times

A total of 15 parties won seats in parliament, including a party campaigning for animal rights and a group representing the interests of people over 50.

From Barron's

Animal rights group Green Britain Foundation captured footage in March that it claims shows 18 incidents of animal cruelty at Loch Harport.

From BBC

Busch was later accused of a string of animal rights abuses, such as keeping animals in sub-standard cages.

From Barron's

But it’s a blow to an equally unusual alliance that includes right-wing politicians and animal rights advocates who argue the cull is too expensive and inhumane.

From Los Angeles Times