The concept of animal welfare and rights has gained significant attention in recent years, with many people advocating for the humane treatment and protection of animals. Animal welfare refers to the physical and psychological well-being of animals, while animal rights refer to the idea that animals have inherent rights and should be treated with respect and dignity.

Rights proponents point to a growing mountain of scientific evidence:

(should we highlight factory farming, medical testing, or domestic pets?) required length or word count. I can also help you create a bibliography if you need one.

Marcus, on the other hand, was a proponent of animal rights . He argued that sentient beings—those capable of feeling pain, joy, and fear—have an inherent right not to be treated as property. He didn't want bigger cages; he wanted empty cages. He was vegan, picketed circuses with wild animals, and refused to set foot in Elena’s sanctuary because he believed “humane exploitation” was a contradiction in terms.

Animal welfare is based on the idea that humans can use animals for food, research, or companionship, provided they are treated humanely. It focuses on the "Five Freedoms," which include freedom from hunger, thirst, discomfort, pain, and fear.