Understanding the animal rights-animal welfare spectrum
There is a wide variety of organizations working to protect animals in Canada. These groups are too often lumped together and labelled “animal rights” organizations. This is a mistake. In reality, animal welfare groups and animal rights groups have different philosophies and views regarding the use and treatment of animals. Regardless of the label, the majority of these groups have the best interest of animals at heart. There is a role for each of these groups in improving the welfare of animals in Canada, and raising awareness of animal issues among Canadians.
At one end of the spectrum, some animal rights proponents oppose the use of all animals, for any purpose. Some animal rights supporters believe that all living beings are equal, and that humans have no right to dominate, use, breed or eat animals.
Animal welfare proponents do not oppose the responsible and humane use of animals. Animal welfarists accept that humans have an innate interdependency with animals in many respects, such as companionship, service animals and farming. In all circumstances where animals are used by humans, animal welfare supporters believe they must be treated humanely and with respect.
Canadians who care about animals identify with one or more of the groups along this spectrum. This diversity of perspectives enriches efforts towards a more humane Canada.
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies is an animal welfare organization. The CFHS strongly promotes the value of pets, and collaborates with our member humane societies and SPCAs to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, and to promote compassion toward animals. We accept those animal use practices that can be conducted with respect and humaneness. CFHS is recognized as the national voice for animal welfare by government, industry, the media and other stakeholders. We oppose certain activities whereby the nature of the activity precludes respect and humane treatment of animals, such as the use of exotic animals in travelling circuses. Our goal is not to stop all uses of animals by humans but to encourage compassionate and humane treatment of all animals and to prevent cruelty and abuse.
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