Three Basic Attitudes/Beliefs About Animals

ANIMAL EXPLOITATION

Individuals and groups express an opinion that humans have absolute control over animals. They can be used or abused as humans see fit. They are here to serve human purposes without restriction for sports, profit, etc. There are no moral or legal restrictions. Animals exist to meet human needs and enhance human life styles. Often these individuals and groups will ignore the laws of their state regarding the use and exploitation of animals.

ANIMAL WELFARE

Individuals and groups express a responsibility to protect animals from harm. While they feel that animals can be used to meet human needs for food, scientific research, clothing, companionship, work, sport and entertainment, this is to be done in as humanely a manner as possible; fostering kindness, respect, empathy, and a sense of responsibility for both human and nonhuman animals.  They feel that limits should be set on animal use for human purposes and in order to achieve socially acceptable standards, these activities may need to be regulated by law. 

ANIMAL RIGHTS/LIBERATION

Individuals and groups express their belief that all animals have intrinsic rights that should be guaranteed just as humans are. These rights include not being eaten, used for sport or research, abused, or killed.  Animals should not be put to work or required to produce anything in the way of a benefit for mankind under any circumstance. This eliminates all types of animal use as well as abuse. Animals would roam free.  Stricter laws and law enforcement need to be in place to guarantee human compliance to these rights. Extreme advocates will occasionally resort to violence and break existing laws to promote animal liberation.

ATTITUDES/BELIEFS ABOUT ANIMALS

Some cultures and religions recognize the life of certain animals as having sacred significance to the peoples' world and life view. Animals have an integrated role in prophecies and worship; therefore having a great impact on society and its unity and how animals are treated. (Animals as sacred symbol: sacred cow of India, sacred monkey of Bali, the white buffalo or eagle of the Native Americans.)

Definitions complied from:
http://www.animalethics.org.uk/i-ch2-3-relatedphilosophies.html and
http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/97issue1.htm