Animal Ethics

OCTOBER 23, 2009

I will conclude with some remarks about the rights of animals. When it is asked whether animals have rights, and whether human beings have duties to them, the question, I think, is partly moral and partly verbal. It is this latter view, I believe, that is in the minds of some of those who deny that animals have rights.

Animal Rights 40

Animal Rights Rights Animal Cruelty 40

Animal Ethics

JULY 22, 2008

To the Editor: “ What’s Next in the Law? The Unalienable Rights of Chimps ,” by Adam Cohen (Editorial Observer, July 14): The Spanish Parliament’s decision to grant rights to apes is indeed groundbreaking, and will foster philosophical discussion about animal protection for some time.

New York Times 40

New York Times Humane Society Of The United States New York Apes 40

Animal Ethics

OCTOBER 29, 2008

It should be observed, however, that if our analysis of the situation is correct, then this change in moral attitude resulted in a restriction of rights rather than an extension of them. There is far from being a precise analogy, however, between the importance attached to animal and to human suffering.

Animal Cruelty 40

Animal Cruelty 2004 Cruelty Vivisection 40

Animal Ethics

JULY 21, 2008

To the Editor: “ What’s Next in the Law? The Unalienable Rights of Chimps ,” by Adam Cohen (Editorial Observer, July 14), unfairly characterized PETA’s efforts. Animal suffering and human suffering are undeniably interconnected. Few people know the depth of our work, as it is mostly our stunts that make the news.

New York Times 40

New York Times New York Animal Abuse Ethical Treatment 40