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

See Examples For:

animal rights

Other candidates have dressed up as furry animals or seagulls to draw attention to animal rights.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026

Milan Fashion Week said Friday it would "invite" participating brands at its high-profile runway shows not to show fur, in a partial concession to animal rights activists following pressure.

From Barron's ● May 15, 2026

Asked about the heavy response, a deputy said there had been several recent violent incidents from animal rights groups at the site, and mentioned the groups had sent in “busloads” of activists.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026

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

“What, the lion’s fur? Isn’t that, like, an animal rights violation or something?”

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan