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

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

No candidate, however, focused more on animal rights than Pratt during the recent primary campaign.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2026

Paul Koretz, who championed animal rights during his years on the City Council, said Pratt’s claims were a “dramatic fabrication” of the actual problems on Skid Row, aimed at winning votes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2026

Janie, Mikayla’s best friend, raised her hand and explained that she, too, believed in animal rights and must be removed from the experiment.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller