In contrast, the animal rights position, most famously articulated by philosopher Tom Regan, is deontological—it focuses on inherent value rather than merely the absence of pain. Regan argues that certain animals are "subjects-of-a-life" who possess beliefs, desires, memory, and a sense of the future. Because they have an inherent value that is not contingent on their usefulness to others, they possess fundamental rights, most notably the right not to be treated as property. From this perspective, even a "happy" farm animal is wronged because its life is instrumentalized. The right to life and liberty is inviolable; therefore, animal rights advocates call for the complete abolition of factory farming, animal testing, circuses, and hunting. As philosopher Gary Francione puts it, "Rights are meaningless if they can be trumped by someone else’s pleasure, convenience, or profit."
The end of animals in entertainment, such as circuses or marine parks. Legal standing for non-human animals in court. The Intersection of Science and Sentience In contrast, the animal rights position, most famously
Industrial animal agriculture (factory farming) is the primary area of concern globally. From this perspective, even a "happy" farm animal
: As of January 1, 2026, California has implemented a ban on cat declawing unless medically necessary. Research Restrictions : The U.S. 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Legal standing for non-human animals in court
However, there is hope. We are seeing a surge in "clean meat" (lab-grown) technology that could eliminate the need for livestock slaughter. Dozens of countries have banned the use of wild animals in circuses, and several nations have recognized animals as "sentient beings" in their constitutions. Conclusion