Beyond Animal Rights & Animal Liberation

Antispeciesism is certainly a new concept in the world in which we are living. In our society, animals are considered resources, or goods available for human use. Rarely do we give any thought to the suffering of animals, or reflect on our attitudes towards them, let alone consider the idea that they may be considered rights holders. We never consider whether this is a form of speciesism, that is, arbitrary discrimination against those individuals who belong to a certain species. In fact, even if we sometimes hear the term ‘animal rights’ we seldom know what is it all about.

The fact that a young baby, a cow or a person with a severe mental disability is not able to read philosophy, do mathematical calculations or make moral judgements does not mean that their interests are any less relevant. What matters is that all of them know pain and pleasure. Only our interests can determine what rights we should have.

While we show some concern for certain animals (such as dogs, cats, and some wild creatures), most others are treated with total disregard. But an animal need not be "cute" or human-like to have the ability to feel. A trout, a pig, a chicken, a frog or a lobster all have the capacity for experiencing joy or suffering pain or distress. Their lives matter to them as much as our lives do to us, and they will defend themselves if they can.

Whether someone is male or female; black, white or green; has two legs or four; swims, flies or walks, is irrelevant when it comes to the consideration we owe them all, and to whether they should be protected by rights which forbid that they be treated in ways that are harmful for them. Antispeciesism is based on this idea.

It is often claimed that we humans are "superior" to other animals because we are more intelligent. But how "intelligent" someone is should not affect our moral decisions, as this is not what determines her or his ability to feel. The fact that a young baby, a cow or a person with a severe mental disability is not able to read philosophy, do mathematical calculations or make moral judgements does not mean that their interests are any less relevant. What matters is that all of them know pain and pleasure. Only our interests can determine what rights we should have.

Disregarding the interests of animals

It is important to keep in mind that the situations in which animals' interests are frustrated don't constitute particular cases of unrelated abuse. Rather, they arise from a general attitude toward non-human animals prevalent in society today, namely, what is called speciesism. This prejudice against other animals overlooks the fact that they, like humans, are beings with the capacity to experience suffering and joy, as they too have nervous systems.

Sometimes it is claimed that other capacities are what matter, capacities such as the use of language and other "intellectual" activities. But if this were so, it would also mean that only certain humans matter. Some people, such as the mentally impaired or the newborn, would fall outside the scope of moral concern, as they don't meet those criteria. However, this is something most of us find unacceptable, and, as we have already seen, so-called intelligence in no way affects one's sentience. This is why the needs and interests of animals must be taken fully into account - including their interest in living - without this consideration being reduced to worrying only about some limited aspects of their welfare.

Animals’ right to life

It is sometimes argued that concern for animals does not necessarily entail concern for their lives. This is said as a justification for exploiting them, provided that a minimum of suffering is caused. But adopting such a position, apart from the practical difficulty of exploiting and killing someone without causing suffering, neglects the fundamental importance life has for animals.

All animals who have the capacity for enjoyment have an interest in living. The reason for this is simple - once we are dead, nothing good can happen to us any more, any possibility for further enjoyment disappears. Death is not harmful in that it is an unpleasant condition, because once dead we stop having any sensations. Death is harmful because it rules out any further possibility of positive experiences. This is why animals have an interest in living. In fact, animals, in normal situations, endure considerable amounts of pain in order to stay alive.

All sentient beings should have the right to live, and to do so in liberty and without suffering inflicted upon them. To achieve this, we must begin by abandoning the view that animals are resources intended for human ends.

All sentient beings should have the right to live, and to do so in liberty and without suffering inflicted upon them. To achieve this, we must begin by abandoning the view that animals are resources intended for human ends.

Where does this lead us?

Using animals causes them suffering and death, and is therefore unjustifiable. Regulating this exploitation won't make any significant difference, and will only reinforce the idea that using animals is, in fact, right. The only solution is to give up treating animals as things from which humans can benefit and to establish legal rights that will safeguard their interests. We can all make a great difference by changing aspects of our lifestyle that involve the use of animals, as this will spare countless animals from suffering and death.