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

For activists, the change in law will not only end the consumption of dogs, but also a "long-standing loophole" around their treatment, said Park Joo-yeon, a lawyer and head of animal rights group PNR.

From Barron's ● Jun. 28, 2026

The last two elephants, Billy and Tina, were transferred last year to the Tulsa Zoo after decades of campaigning by animal rights advocates over living conditions and a history of deaths and health challenges.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2026

Other central issues for voters were animal rights, the high level of pesticides in drinking water because of pig farming, and agriculture's climate footprint overall.

From BBC ● Jun. 2, 2026

Of course, many people in the animal rights movement thinks even a farm like Polyface is a “death camp.”

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan