animal rights

plural noun

the rights of animals, claimed on ethical grounds, to the same humane treatment and protection from exploitation and abuse that are accorded to humans.

animal rights

1. the rights of animals to be protected from exploitation and abuse by humans
2. ( as modifier )
  the animal-rights lobby

First recorded in 1975–80

Yes, animal rights activists are trying to ban the eating of cats and dogs in Switzerland.

But the Playboy Playmate and hardcore animal-rights activist has long been a major-league advocate for the State of Israel.

To some people, keeping orcas in metal cans is violent animal-rights abuse; to others it is apparently “normal and legal.”

Armed guards kept animal rights activists shouting “assassins” at bay.

Many Hollywood stars today care about the environment, or gay rights, or animal rights, or what have you.

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