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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

animal rights

Still, it’s worth upholding this turnaround as an example of why speaking out on animal rights can be successful.

From Salon ● Oct. 9, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026

While Spanish bullfighting has long been a target of animal rights activists, no such public controversy has emerged around guanniu in China.

From Barron's ● Jun. 28, 2026

Horse-drawn carriages in Central Park are a popular tourist attraction, but their use has long been criticised by animal rights activists.

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026

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

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan

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