Animal Rights: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
The Hunting Debate
The arguments for and against hunting are both practical and ethical. This page explains the arguments about wildlife management, ethics, recreation, and human/deer conflicts.
The arguments for and against hunting are both practical and ethical. This page explains the arguments about wildlife management, ethics, recreation, and human/deer conflicts.
FrancioneProp2
Gary Francione on California's Proposition 2, the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. The massive amounts of money that are wasted on campaigns like this should be spent instead on educating the public about veganism and promoting veganism in creative ways. By increasing the number of vegans, we decrease demand for animal products and we help to build a movement that will support the abolition of the property status of animals.
Gary Francione on California's Proposition 2, the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. The massive amounts of money that are wasted on campaigns like this should be spent instead on educating the public about veganism and promoting veganism in creative ways. By increasing the number of vegans, we decrease demand for animal products and we help to build a movement that will support the abolition of the property status of animals.
Basic Tenets
Animal rights is the belief that animals have an intrinsic value separate from any value they have to humans, and are worthy of moral consideration. They have a right to be free of oppression, confinement, use and abuse by humans. Here's why.
Animal rights is the belief that animals have an intrinsic value separate from any value they have to humans, and are worthy of moral consideration. They have a right to be free of oppression, confinement, use and abuse by humans. Here's why.
Animal Rights - Articles
An index of Articles for the Animal Rights guide site.
An index of Articles for the Animal Rights guide site.
YesOnProp2
Paul Shapiro on California's Proposition 2, the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. When passed, Prop 2 will phase out some of the most extreme confinement systems we force upon farm animals, including battery cages for laying hens, veal crates for calves, and gestation crate for breeding pigs. It will reduce the suffering of 20 million animals in the country’s largest agricultural state, and set the nation on a trajectory away from these types of factory farming systems.
Paul Shapiro on California's Proposition 2, the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. When passed, Prop 2 will phase out some of the most extreme confinement systems we force upon farm animals, including battery cages for laying hens, veal crates for calves, and gestation crate for breeding pigs. It will reduce the suffering of 20 million animals in the country’s largest agricultural state, and set the nation on a trajectory away from these types of factory farming systems.
RightsvWelfare
Although animal rights and animal welfare frequently fall on the same side of an issue, there is a fundamental difference between the two ideologies: the right of humans to use animals.
Although animal rights and animal welfare frequently fall on the same side of an issue, there is a fundamental difference between the two ideologies: the right of humans to use animals.
FactoryFarmingFAQ
Factory farming is the modern practice of raising animals for food in extreme confinement, in order to maximize profits. In addition to intense confinement, abuses usually associated with factory farming include massive doses of hormones and antibiotics, battery cages, debeaking, tail docking, gestation crates, and veal crates.
Factory farming is the modern practice of raising animals for food in extreme confinement, in order to maximize profits. In addition to intense confinement, abuses usually associated with factory farming include massive doses of hormones and antibiotics, battery cages, debeaking, tail docking, gestation crates, and veal crates.
McDonald's and Animal Rights
McDonald’s is the world’s largest user of beef, and of all companies, probably has the most colorful animal rights history. From the longest trial in British history, to the non-vegetarian french fry scandal, to their support of factory farming practices, McDonald’s seems unable to keep themselves out of the campaigns of animal activists.
McDonald’s is the world’s largest user of beef, and of all companies, probably has the most colorful animal rights history. From the longest trial in British history, to the non-vegetarian french fry scandal, to their support of factory farming practices, McDonald’s seems unable to keep themselves out of the campaigns of animal activists.
TimelineModern
Timeline of the modern Animal Rights Movement, including major milestones, setbacks and accomplishments.
Timeline of the modern Animal Rights Movement, including major milestones, setbacks and accomplishments.
SolutionFactoryFarming
The cruelty of factory farming is well-documented, but what is the solution? Why can't we continue eating meat and other animal products and just treat the animals humanely?
The cruelty of factory farming is well-documented, but what is the solution? Why can't we continue eating meat and other animal products and just treat the animals humanely?
AnimalAttorney
There is no one area of law in which all animal rights attorneys practice, because animal issues span many areas of law. Animal rights lawyers have a variety of types of practices.
There is no one area of law in which all animal rights attorneys practice, because animal issues span many areas of law. Animal rights lawyers have a variety of types of practices.
AntibioticsHormonesrBGH
Factory farms cannot afford to care about animals collectively or individually. The animals are merely a product, and antibiotics and growth hormones such as rBGH are employed to make the operation more profitable.
Factory farms cannot afford to care about animals collectively or individually. The animals are merely a product, and antibiotics and growth hormones such as rBGH are employed to make the operation more profitable.
Grassroots Lobbying
Grassroots Lobbying 101 - This page will explain what grassroots lobbying is, why you should do it, and how to do it.
Grassroots Lobbying 101 - This page will explain what grassroots lobbying is, why you should do it, and how to do it.
FurSeals
Fur and Animal Rights: Every year, hundreds of thousands of baby harp seals are clubbed to death in front of their mothers by Canadian fishermen. The quota set by the Canadian government for 2008 was 275,000 seals. The event has turned into an annual spectacle, with animal protection groups attempting to document the slaughter from ships or helicopters.
Fur and Animal Rights: Every year, hundreds of thousands of baby harp seals are clubbed to death in front of their mothers by Canadian fishermen. The quota set by the Canadian government for 2008 was 275,000 seals. The event has turned into an annual spectacle, with animal protection groups attempting to document the slaughter from ships or helicopters.
AnimalLawProperty
Animals should not be considered property under the law because unlike inanimate objects, they are sentient beings with their own lives and interests.
Animals should not be considered property under the law because unlike inanimate objects, they are sentient beings with their own lives and interests.
VivisectionFAQ
Vivisection FAQ: Why do animal rights activists oppose animal experimentation? Isn’t there a law to protect animals in laboratories? Doesn’t the end justify the means?
Vivisection FAQ: Why do animal rights activists oppose animal experimentation? Isn’t there a law to protect animals in laboratories? Doesn’t the end justify the means?
Reporting Animal Cruelty
Learn more about what constitutes animal cruelty, why reporting animal cruelty is important, who you should call and general guidelines for making your report.
Learn more about what constitutes animal cruelty, why reporting animal cruelty is important, who you should call and general guidelines for making your report.
EndangeredZoos
Zoos are widely regarded as guardians of endangered species, so why do animal rights activists claim the zoos are abusive and cruel?
Zoos are widely regarded as guardians of endangered species, so why do animal rights activists claim the zoos are abusive and cruel?
Fur Trapping
Fur and Animal Rights: Approximately 10 million animals are trapped and killed worldwide each year for fur. Several U.S. states and many countries have banned the steel-jawed leg hold trap, which is notorious for its cruelty. Trappers now get around this ban by using other types of traps, including snare traps, conibear traps or leg hold traps with a thin layer of padding added. If you spend time in the woods with your dog or cat, it is important to learn how to release these traps.
Fur and Animal Rights: Approximately 10 million animals are trapped and killed worldwide each year for fur. Several U.S. states and many countries have banned the steel-jawed leg hold trap, which is notorious for its cruelty. Trappers now get around this ban by using other types of traps, including snare traps, conibear traps or leg hold traps with a thin layer of padding added. If you spend time in the woods with your dog or cat, it is important to learn how to release these traps.
Human Nature
This piece addresses with certain presupposed "flaws" in human nature from a Christian perspective, and how those flaws keep humanity from acting in a moral manner toward non-human and human animals.
This piece addresses with certain presupposed "flaws" in human nature from a Christian perspective, and how those flaws keep humanity from acting in a moral manner toward non-human and human animals.
GuardianOwner
The state of Rhode Island and several towns across the U.S. have changed the word “owner” to “guardian” in their laws relating to companion animals.
The state of Rhode Island and several towns across the U.S. have changed the word “owner” to “guardian” in their laws relating to companion animals.
Changes in Your Own Life
For many activists, making changes in your own life is the first step toward helping animals. Each time we buy or boycott a product, we are voting with our wallets. By making these changes, you become part of the solution.
For many activists, making changes in your own life is the first step toward helping animals. Each time we buy or boycott a product, we are voting with our wallets. By making these changes, you become part of the solution.
FurFarmed
Fur and Animal Rights: Approximately 30 million animals are raised in cages and killed worldwide for fur every year. Minks are the animals most commonly raised on fur farms, but foxes, chinchillas, rabbits, dogs and other animals are also victims. Animals raised on fur farms live in intense confinement, and suffer psychologically. Methods of killing on fur farms include breaking the animal's neck, gassing, lethal injection, genital electrocution and anal electrocution.
Fur and Animal Rights: Approximately 30 million animals are raised in cages and killed worldwide for fur every year. Minks are the animals most commonly raised on fur farms, but foxes, chinchillas, rabbits, dogs and other animals are also victims. Animals raised on fur farms live in intense confinement, and suffer psychologically. Methods of killing on fur farms include breaking the animal's neck, gassing, lethal injection, genital electrocution and anal electrocution.
How to Write Effective Letters
Instructions for writing effective letters to the editor, letters to legislators for grassroots lobbying campaigns, and letters to companies as part of a boycott campaign.
Instructions for writing effective letters to the editor, letters to legislators for grassroots lobbying campaigns, and letters to companies as part of a boycott campaign.
PaulShapiro
Biography of Paul Shapiro, senior director of The Humane Society of the United States' (HSUS) Factory Farming Campaign.
Biography of Paul Shapiro, senior director of The Humane Society of the United States' (HSUS) Factory Farming Campaign.
ProtestsDemonstrations
How to organize and publicize protests and demonstations.
How to organize and publicize protests and demonstations.
Starting Your Own Group
You may find that there isn’t a local animal rights group that addresses the issue you are concerned about, so you’d like to start your own. Congratulations! Here are some tips for getting your group off the ground.
You may find that there isn’t a local animal rights group that addresses the issue you are concerned about, so you’d like to start your own. Congratulations! Here are some tips for getting your group off the ground.
SpayNeuterFAQ
Cats and dogs will not become extinct because of spay/neuter campaigns, and here's why.
Cats and dogs will not become extinct because of spay/neuter campaigns, and here's why.
FindAnimalLawyer
How to find an animal rights lawyer. Includes link to animal attorney referral page.
How to find an animal rights lawyer. Includes link to animal attorney referral page.
Rescued sheep at Farm Sanctuary
Photo of rescued sheep at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Photo of rescued sheep at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Rescued cows at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Photo of rescued cows at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Photo of rescued cows at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Rescued cow at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Photo of rescued cow at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Photo of rescued cow at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY, USA
GettingMessage
Learn how to get your message out to the media through press releases, public service announcements and calendar listings.
Learn how to get your message out to the media through press releases, public service announcements and calendar listings.
Hunting Arguments
The arguments for and against hunting are both practical and ethical. This page explains the arguments about wildlife management, ethics, recreation, and human/deer conflicts.
The arguments for and against hunting are both practical and ethical. This page explains the arguments about wildlife management, ethics, recreation, and human/deer conflicts.
BlumenauerInt
Interview with Rep. Earl Blumenauer, 2007 Humane Legislator of the Year
Interview with Rep. Earl Blumenauer, 2007 Humane Legislator of the Year
PaulShapiroInterview
Interview with Paul Shapiro, Senior Director of The Humane Society of the US's Factory Farming Campaign
Interview with Paul Shapiro, Senior Director of The Humane Society of the US's Factory Farming Campaign
Getting Active
This site will teach you how to get started in animal activism, including making changes in your own lifestyle, networking with fellow activists, letter writing, organizing protests and meetings, working with the media, and starting your own group.
This site will teach you how to get started in animal activism, including making changes in your own lifestyle, networking with fellow activists, letter writing, organizing protests and meetings, working with the media, and starting your own group.
Rescued chickens at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Photo of rescued chickens at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Photo of rescued chickens at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Rescued lamb at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY.
Photo of rescued lamb at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY.
Photo of rescued lamb at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY.
Rescued pigs at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY.
Photo of rescued pigs at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY.
Photo of rescued pigs at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY.
FrancioneBiography
Biography of Gary Francione, Distinguished Professor of Law and Nicholas deB. Katzenbach Scholar of Law and Philosophy at Rutgers University.
Biography of Gary Francione, Distinguished Professor of Law and Nicholas deB. Katzenbach Scholar of Law and Philosophy at Rutgers University.
Local Groups
Large national groups are great for generating publicity for an issue, backing a campaign with significant financial support, and influencing federal legislation. But they can’t beat smaller, local groups for taking action on local issues, organizing local events, and reaching people one on one.
Large national groups are great for generating publicity for an issue, backing a campaign with significant financial support, and influencing federal legislation. But they can’t beat smaller, local groups for taking action on local issues, organizing local events, and reaching people one on one.
Non-Vegan Animal Activist
Can I speak out for animals if I’m not vegan? Does that make me a hypocrite?
Can I speak out for animals if I’m not vegan? Does that make me a hypocrite?
Now that I'm vegan . . .
Now that I’m vegan, what do I do with my animal products -- my leather shoes and wool sweaters?
Now that I’m vegan, what do I do with my animal products -- my leather shoes and wool sweaters?
Not Vegan
Can I speak out for animals if I’m not vegan? Does that make me a hypocrite?
Can I speak out for animals if I’m not vegan? Does that make me a hypocrite?
Rescued turkeys at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY.
Photo of rescued turkeys at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY.
Photo of rescued turkeys at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY.
Lanolin Facts
Lanolin, found in many health and beauty items, is a byproduct of the wool industry, which involves animal cruelty toward sheep.
Lanolin, found in many health and beauty items, is a byproduct of the wool industry, which involves animal cruelty toward sheep.