 or aesthetic. Savage beasts were necessary instruments of God's wrath; they fostered human courage and provided useful training for war. Horse-flies, guessed the Virginian gentleman William Byrd in 1728, had been created so 'that men should exercise their wits and industry to guard themselves against them'. While the lobster served several purposes in one: it provided men with food, for they could eat its flesh; with exercise, for they had first to crack its legs and claws; and with an object of contemplation, for they could behold its wonderful suit of armour. As for cattle and sheep, Henry More in 1653 was convinced that they had only been given life in the first place so as to keep their meat fresh 'till we shall have need to eat them.''
In fact, our attitudes today are not so far removed from the walking fridge view of sheep. They are often still firmly rooted in the assumption that humans are easily the most important creature on Earth and that sentient animals are legitimately available to us as resources for agriculture, entertainment, research, companionship, and so on. Whether or not these assumptions are legitimate is the crux of the ethical debate.
Whichever way the issue is resolved, the uncomfortable truth is that meanwhile, some or all of the five freedoms are being violated by many of the ways in which we humans currently keep and use non-human animals. Taking the notion of animal rights seriously would be a powerful way of ensuring that human practices become more humane.
Find out more
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites
Animal Liberation Front
Animal rights discussion forum with news on the key issues and also some disturbing video footage and images.
Compassion in World Farming
Their key aim is to abolish factory farming and stop the suffering of farm animals. The website has lots of information, a publications list and ideas about how to get involved.
Foundation for Bio-Medical Research
US organisation that defends the use of laboratory animals. The site contains material about the benefits of animal research, separate sections for children, students and teachers, information about the animal rights movement, and a summary of current news stories.
Government Action to Reduce Anti-Social Behaviour
Government site that looks at the introduction of ASBOs (anti-social behaviour orders).
The Guardian � Animal Rights
online report on animal rights, covering a wide range of issues.
Huntingdon Life Sciences
This page offers information on some of the ethical issues raised with the use of animals in scientific research.
National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS)
Some interesting and disturbing articles and images on this website about unscientific and futile animal experiments carried out in the UK.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
Campaigning organisation fighting animal abuse worldwide. The site has lots of information on how to get involved in campaigns and on cruelty-free living.
Pigs in the Poky � Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
An excellent article that looks at the devastating effects of factory farming, the emergence of animal welfare with the Brambell Committee report and then offers advice on how to take action.
Research Defence Society (RDS)
News and information from this membership-based group that argues for the benefits of using animals in research.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
Well established charity that aims to stop animal suffering. The website has lots of information on where to buy cruelty-free food, plus articles on work being done to protect farm and research animals.
The Way of the Vegan
Compelling arguments on the many advantages of becoming a vegan.