Al animals are equal

Abstract

The obligation to give the same respect to the lives of non-human animals and their freedom from suffering that we give to the lives and suffering of Humans is substantiated, for all animals, human and non-human, are equal. The speciesism is criticized that is a prejudice or attitude of bias in favor of the interests of members of one's own species and against those of members of other species. Three claims against it are put forward: equality is based on equal consideration; equality is a moral idea, not a factual one; and that the capacity for suffering is a prerequisite for rights. The inconsistency of the arguments for not extending rights to non-humans is demonstrated.