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

Animal rights activists have called for Easter egg rollers to swap hen's eggs and milk chocolate eggs for potatoes in order to have "all of the fun and the tradition but just without the animal cruelty".

From BBC

Nearly a year after the Los Angeles Zoo shipped off Billy and Tina to Oklahoma, animal rights activists have kept up the call to move the elephants to a sanctuary.

From Los Angeles Times

Represented by a blue‑skinned woman wearing feather ornaments, Gaitana describes herself as an environmentalist and animal rights defender.

From Barron's

Since the Istanbul match, Catan has received animal rights organisation PETA's "Hero to Animals award".

From Barron's

Animal rights groups say this case highlights the poor living conditions of captive tigers used for entertainment in Thailand.

From BBC