Over 100 million animals suffer and die each in the United States for animal testing. Animals have been mistreated all throughout time. Some say they should be treated equal to humans. However, others say they don’t have feelings and they are only here to fulfill human needs. And of course, we have the people that don’t care for the situation at all. So, why are animal rights important? Who helps make it aware to people? Several people believe that animals have no rights. On the other hand, a multitude of people say that they are animals, but yes, they do have feelings. Australian philosopher, Peter Singer, argued that animals are entitled to live free from pain and suffering. American philosopher, Thomas Regan argued that every individual
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The Animal Welfare Act (AWA), protects certain animals in certain facilities, however the act is not effective as animal advocates would like. The AWA requires that facilities are to be licensed or registered. Once that is done they are subjected to unannounced inspections. Any failures to comply with the AWA’s standards can lead to fines. The AWA does not do much to protect farm animals, and there are currently no federal laws or regulations for the care of animals raised for food. From an animal rights perspective, the AWA does little to protect animals because the use of animals is not challenged. Since 95% of the animals used in research are mice and rats, and nine billion animals are slaughtered for food in the United States are exempted, the majority of animals used by humans are excluded from the AWA’s protection. In fact, as long as the animals have adequate food, water, and shelter the AWA allows animals to suffer and die in places such as zoos, circuses, and research facilities. At the federal level, however, there are laws governing the care of zoo, circus, and marine animals. In the United States and Europe, there is a widely cited animal welfare document known as the Five Freedom’s.
• Freedom from hunger and thirst: Animals are to have access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
• Freedom from discomfort: The animals should have an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA), protects certain animals in certain facilities, however the act is not effective as animal advocates would like. The AWA requires that facilities are to be licensed or registered. Once that is done they are subjected to unannounced inspections. Any failures to comply with the AWA’s standards can lead to fines. The AWA does not do much to protect farm animals, and there are currently no federal laws or regulations for the care of animals raised for food. From an animal rights perspective, the AWA does little to protect animals because the use of animals is not challenged. Since 95% of the animals used in research are mice and rats, and nine billion animals are slaughtered for food in the United States are exempted, the majority of animals used by humans are excluded from the AWA’s protection. In fact, as long as the animals have adequate food, water, and shelter the AWA allows animals to suffer and die in places such as zoos, circuses, and research facilities. At the federal level, however, there are laws governing the care of zoo, circus, and marine animals. In the United States and Europe, there is a widely cited animal welfare document known as the Five Freedom’s.
• Freedom from hunger and thirst: Animals are to have access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
• Freedom from discomfort: The animals should have an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting