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

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

Milan Fashion Week said Friday it would "invite" participating brands at its high-profile runway shows not to show fur, in a partial concession to animal rights activists following pressure.

From Barron's ● May 15, 2026

Asked about the heavy response, a deputy said there had been several recent violent incidents from animal rights groups at the site, and mentioned the groups had sent in “busloads” of activists.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026

I figured an animal rights activist would’ve had a heart attack looking at all those rare skins, but maybe since Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, she could replenish whatever she shot.

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan