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What Are Animal Rights? Humanity’s relationship with the other animal species on Earth is complex. Many people share their homes and their lives with animals, and since the beginning of time, humans have assumed the right to make use of animals for their own benefit. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was set out by the United Nations in 1948. It says that people everywhere, no matter who they are, are born free and equal. They have basic rights and freedoms that should be protected by national and international law. In return, they have the responsibility to respect the rights and freedoms of others and to observe the laws and customs of the societies they live in. Members of animal-rights groups say that like humans, ani- mals also have the right to live freely. They believe that ani- mals’ rights—to be free from slavery and ill-treatment—should be protected by national and international law, just as the rights of humans are. Supporters and Opponents There are people all over the world who believe that animals should have rights. They say that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects humans from being exploited , and ani- mals need the same kind of protection. They maintain that ani- mals have the right to not be used to test drugs and other prod- ucts, killed for their fur, or hunted for pleasure. They are also against some modern farming methods used to raise livestock for people to eat. Some animal-rights activists use violence against humans

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What Are Animal Rights?