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The Global Evolution of Animal Welfare and Rights: Ethics, Law, and Society
18th Century 1970s 1980s [ Jeremy Bentham ] ------------> [ Peter Singer ] -----------> [ Tom Regan ] Focus: Sentience & Focus: Utilitarianism Focus: Inherent Value Ability to suffer & "Animal Liberation" & Deontology monica mattos the infamous horse scene bestiality
In stark contrast, the animal rights movement, drawing heavily from deontological philosophy—particularly the work of Tom Regan—rejects the very premise of animal use. Rights advocates argue that animals, especially higher-order mammals with complex cognitive and emotional lives, are "subjects-of-a-life." They possess inherent value that is not contingent on their usefulness to others. Consequently, they possess fundamental rights, the most basic of which is the right not to be treated as the property of another. From this perspective, there is no such thing as "humane" slaughter, just as there is no "humane" murder of a human. A larger cage is still a prison. The rights position is therefore abolitionist: it demands an end to the domestication of animals for food, the closure of circuses and zoos, the cessation of animal testing, and the eventual dissolution of the pet industry in favor of adoption and sanctuary. The rights advocate’s victory is an empty cage. The Global Evolution of Animal Welfare and Rights:
The controversy surrounding the scene has also highlighted the potential impact on performers involved in the adult entertainment industry. Many performers have spoken out about the pressures and risks associated with the industry, including the risk of physical and emotional harm. The scandal has raised questions about the support systems in place for performers, and the need for greater resources and protections to ensure their safety and well-being. From this perspective, there is no such thing
Animal welfare operates on the premise that humans can utilize animals for food, research, companionship, and labor, provided that the animals are treated humanely. The core objective is to minimize suffering and maximize physical and psychological well-being.
The gold standard for welfare is the originally developed for livestock but now applied across the board: