animal rights
the rights of nonhuman animals to be treated with respect and to be free from exploitation and abuse by humans. Proponents of animal rights believe that it is morally wrong to harm, kill, or exploit animals for any human uses, including any type of research, and many advocate that all sentient creatures are in some ways the moral equals of humans. Proponents of animal welfare, however, typically make a moral distinction between humans and nonhuman animals and believe that, whereas individuals have an obligation to treat animals humanely, certain research involving animals is medically and scientifically necessary. See also animal care and use.