A coherent vision on animal rights elaborated

Animal rights considerations

The starting point of Animal Freedom is that freedom is a fundamental right for humans and animals. The articles below work this out. First we discuss the questions you may run into. Then we propose animal rights as the solution and work them out.

How the law sees animals today

Since 2009 the European Union treaty recognises animals as sentient beings (Lisbon Treaty, article 13). After leaving the EU, the United Kingdom laid this down in its own Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act in 2022. Yet in almost every country animals are still legally property. They can be bought, sold and owned. Nowhere do animals have a right to freedom.

Problematic aspects

What you may run into

Why worry about animal rights?Our way of dealing with animals has consequences far away.
Untruths that cause animal sufferingLies that justify how we treat animals.
Keeping an animal dependent is wrongTo be dependent is not to be free.
Is it wrong to withhold freedom from animals?About locking animals up and eating meat.
Is it correct and wise to eat animals?Meat from factory farming crosses a moral boundary.
Needs and interests of humans and animalsThe invisible suffering of animals that die young.
Physical integrity, welfare and animal rightsWhere are the differences in practice?
Questions about the intrinsic value of animalsThere is a powerful alternative: freedom.
Why do animals have rights? Not because of intrinsic valueA dairy farm shows where value and rights lie.
Freedom, boredom and addictionBoredom threatens animals locked up in a shed.
Who is responsible for animal rights?The more influence, the more responsibility.
Animal Rights ProclamationA declaration from 1978 without legal force.
Five freedoms for farm animalsMinimal rights on paper. The practice is less rosy.

The solution

Freedom as a fundamental right

Do animals have rights?Why freedom is the best foundation.
Freedom is a basic animal rightThe many reasons why animals have a right to freedom.
The central meaning of freedomFor human and animal rights and for respect.
Freedom is a valuable paradoxFreedom does not exist without limits.
Respect, freedom and compassionBeing involved and keeping the right distance.

Elaboration

What animal rights mean in practice

What is the right of animals to freedom?The consequences if we take animal rights seriously.
Can animal rights be enforced in court?Not yet. An animal right is a human right.
Does owning an animal contradict its right to freedom?Animals should not be property.
Freedom, fishing for sport and pigeon racingShould these be forbidden?
All animals are equally entitled to quality of lifeFreedom to behave naturally is part of it.
Standing up for animals should be rewardedNot punished financially.

Read further

What it gives you and where it leads

What does taking animal rights seriously give you?Inner freedom, a clear conscience, health and more.
What if you took your own principles seriously?The Golden Rule and what we eat.
Pioneers of animal emancipationEthical vegans put animal rights into practice in their own lives.
Inner freedom and our relationship with animalsHow inner growth leads to better lives for animals.
Is taking away freedom worse than killing?Killing is the most extreme loss of freedom.
Drawing the linePeople are not free to do whatever they want with animals.
Politicians have a moral responsibilityTowards animals as well.
Hunters are not neededNature balances the number of animals itself.
Other ethical dilemmasNavigating dilemmas in our relationship with animals.
Our vision on factory farmingProblems, explanations and solutions.

Sources: Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, article 13; Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. Updated October 2026.