animal rights

plural noun

the rights of animals, claimed on ethical grounds, to the same humane treatment and protection from exploitation and abuse that are accorded to humans.

animal rights

plural noun

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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Word History and Origins

Origin of animal rights¹

First recorded in 1975–80

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But he argues that it’s all in the name of promoting animal rights.

From

Animal rights activists and animal shelters say that they are seeing an unprecedented numbers of abandoned animals as the cost of looking after pets spirals out of control.

From

Her passing drew heartfelt tributes from fans and longtime co-stars Alan Alda, Mike Farrell, and Jamie Farr, as well as from PETA, where she was a passionate advocate for animal rights.

From

The dog, Felicity, attended as the plus-one of an animal rights activist representing a U.K. group called NoToDogMeat.

From

The first time I tried tofu was back in middle school, when I first went vegetarian for animal rights reasons.

From

animal pole All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others

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