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The term 'Animal Rights' was first used by Henry Salt. Since then many organisations have formed to protect the rights of animals.

Fundamental principle is that non-human animals deserve to live by their natures, free from harm, exploitation and abuse.
Factory Farming
Factory farms keep animals indoor for most of their lives, food is regulated and movement is restricted. The aim is to meet the large demand for cheep food.

For

  • industry in the UK aids the economy
  • there is a demand which the farmers meet
  • if there was no demand it wouldn't be produce

Against

  • organic food is better for health
  • higher risk of disease with intensive farming
  • cruel
Hunting
In some countries hunting is done only for food (Inuit of the Artic, there is little vegetation so they have to hunt to survive)
In some countries hunting happens for sport - fox hunting, hare coursing, stag hunting, grouse shooting, and fishing. They are country past times that have existed for centuries.

For

  • Hunters enjoy the thrill of the chase
  • foxes are a pest to farmers (killing lambs, and poultry)
  • most foxes are killed on the roads, shooting, snaring and natural causes (only 10% killed through hunting)
  • hunting is a normal part of the cycle of life.

Against

  • unnecessary
  • none of the products from the hunt are used
  • it is a misuse of human power
  • hunting is cruel due to the torment the animal goes through
Experimentation
Experiments take place mainly for medical research for both human and animal benefit and cosmetics testing. 'Vivisection' is where live animals are cut up and tested on.

For

  • Many vaccines have been discovered through animal experiments (diphtheria, whooping cough, rubella, polio and distemper in cats)
  • better understanding of human and animals can be discovered through testing
  • testing on animals is seen as better than tested drugs etc. on thousands of humans.

Against

  • experiments on animals for cosmetics are no longer needed
  • testing on animals does not help as the results on animals are not necessarily the same as on humans
  • alternatives to testing on animals: artificial cells and tissues can be used.
Religious Responses
Christian Teachings
The Bible does not say anything specifically about vivisection, but in the story of the Creation God says to mankind, "Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds, and all the wild animals" (Genesis 1:28).
This has been interpreted by many Christians as meaning that mankind has been given the authority to use animals for whatever needs they can legitimately justify. Thus, some Christians would hold the opinion that the beneficial knowledge that can be achieved for humans and animals through medical experimentation makes such animal testing justifiable.
However, it is probably true to say that most Christians accept that the bible places a greater value on human life than on animal life. They would also recognise that the techniques needed for organ transplants and the cures for many killer diseases such as diphtheria and smallpox have come as a result of experiments that involved animals.
Therefore, Christianity seeks to promote a sense of balance; it is acceptable to use animals for scientific research, but the animals should not suffer or die needlessly because they are part of God's creation and are owed respect and appropriate care.

Church of England
Christians may hold a variety of views on vivisection, which is the dissection or other painful treatment of living animals for the purposes of scientific research. However, all Christians believe that animals have been created by God (Genesis 1:20-25) and that, therefore, "Human beings have both an affinity with and an obligation to animals" (Church of England Report: Our Responsibility for the Living Environment).
The Church of England commission said with regard to hunting on Church land "As far as the Commissioners are concerned, it is for tenants to decide whether or not to allow local hunts to cross their land."
Roman Catholic Church
For example, the official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church tolerates the use of animals in medical and scientific experimentation if it "remains within reasonable limits" and contributes to "caring for or saving human lives" (The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church).
Muslim Teachings
Islam teaches that mercy and compassion are to be shown to every living creature, Allah loves everything that he has made. Therefore cruelty to animals is completely forbidden.
The prophet forbade any 'sport', which involved making animals fight each other, modern blood sports by this principle are also forbidden.
People can only hunt for food; the Hadith says that if an animal is killed with no just cause, this will be remembered at the Day of Judgement.
When a Muslim is in a state of Ihram for religious reasons (Hajj), all living things are safe in their presence (even small animals).
A famous Hadith told of a prostitute who gave water to a thirsty dog, using her shoe, she cared for it until it had recovered. The prophet commented that for such an act, Allah would certainly forgive her sins.
Any experiments for the development of luxury goods are totally forbidden. Muslims should always find out if the things they buy have been produced using halal methods.
Muslims may not eat any sort of meat unless it has been killed in the quickest and the most painless manner, and with a prayer in the name of Allah.
'Ibn Abbas once reported that the Prophet saw a man who was sharpening his knife after laying down a sheep to be slaughtered. He rebuked him saying, "Do you intend to make it die two deaths?"
Muslims believe those who miss-treat animals will be answerable on the Day of Judgement.
Muslims oppose blood sports and the use of animals for entertainment because
Islam lays great emphasis on animal welfare and the responsibility human
beings have to look after other creatures created by Allah.
There are many verses in the Qur'an and the sayings of Muhammad (pbuh) concerning this issue, for example, "If someone kills even a sparrow for sport, the sparrow will cry out on the Day of Judgement" (Hadith).
Exam Questions
Try to answer these questions.
a) Explain why religious people are concerned about the well-being of animals. Refer to religious teachings in your answer. (5)
b) Explain some of the views held by religious people about the use of animals for food.
c) "There are so many poor and hungry people in the world, surely religious people should help them before thinking about animal welfare." How far do you agree with this comment? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. (5) 1998