Animal Rights & Veganism

Animals are multicellular, enveloped organisms in the Kingdom Animalia. With few exceptions, all animals breathe air, consume oxygen, can move freely, can reproduce sexually, and eat organic matter. Humans belong to the class Animalia called Multicellular. Most animals live in bodies of water and are adapted for a variety of environments.

There have been debates between animal rights and animal exploitation. Animal rights activists claim that animals are persons, while animal exploiters argue that they are merely animals. Animal rights activists seek to protect and promote the rights of animals and advocate against exploitation of animals.

Exploitation occurs when people exploit animals for their meat, milk, bones, fur, or organs. The products of animal exploitation include dog and cat food, milk, eggs, leather, fur, and bile. The products of animal rights include farm animals, wild animals, endangered species, and pets. People exploit other animals for food, clothing, companionship, and experimentation. While the practices of some people may seem cruelty towards animals, it is important to note that some forms of exploitation may be necessary in order to produce certain forms of goods and services.

Factory farms, also known as livestock farms are set up to supply food, feeds, bedding, equipment, space, and breeding purposes to livestock used for food, medicine, cosmetics, and other industries. Factory farms are the largest-selling source of meat and dairy in the U.S. The majority of meat and dairy products consumed in the country come from factory farms. The practice of slavery and extreme abuse of animals is illegal in the U.S., but it happens frequently in other parts of the world, including in U.S. states such as Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Texas.

In places like factory farms and sanctuaries, the animals are confined in small cages with little or no exercise for most of the day. They are fed a variety of inferior animal products (such as sugar corn syrup) and keep their lives uneventfully. Captured wildlife often suffers injuries or disease during their captivity, even when cared for by knowledgeable professionals. Many advocates of animal rights feel that all animals should be free to live in peace and freedom, and the practice of capturing and selling animals like dogs and cats for meat is inhumane. Some groups have made campaigns to help stop the capturing and selling of pets and animals.

While advocates of animal rights are concerned about cruelty to animals, they are just as worried about cruelty to humans. Veganism is not just a lifestyle choice; however, some people choose to be vegans due to ethical reasons, such as the use of non-organic animal products, or because of the impact on the environment. Not all vegans are animal rights activists. Vegans do not use animals in any way that would mistreat them. Instead, they aim to make sure that animals are not abused, neglected, or treated inhumanely. By choosing to be a vegan, you can help to support the rights of other animals and the reduction of cruelty to humans.