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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.


animal rights British  

plural noun

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

    2. ( as modifier )

      the animal-rights lobby

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of animal rights

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A protest was staged by an animal rights group over plans to move her to the site.

From BBC

Regardless of what the city decides, it is the state of New York that has authority over business rules, said Allie Taylor, president of Voters for Animal Rights.

From Barron's

Hunting groups like Safari Club International and the California Rifle and Pistol Assn., as well as animal rights groups In Defense of Animals and the Humane Society, also oppose the cull.

From Los Angeles Times

Animal rights activists plan to gather at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday morning at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, where the auction is set to take place, to voice their concerns, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The animal rights activist saved two cows from slaughter, Liberty and Indigo, in 2020.

From Los Angeles Times