While people often lump animal rights and animal welfare together, they are two distinct matters. Typically, animal rights refer to the notion that animals should be afforded the same protections and rights as humans, with there being no justification for using animals for our own purposes, such as food, clothing, entertainment, or labor. Animal welfare is the viewpoint that animals can be used by humans for certain purposes, such as the ones mentioned above, so long as there are no severe impacts on the animal's welfare, or they are minimized as much as possible.

Essentially, animal welfare is focused on providing humane treatment for all animals, regardless of the purpose they serve. This means as pet owners, people must provide humane care to their animals, refraining from neglect, mistreatment, and abuse.

What is considered inhumane?

Though it can seem simple, these areas can often become gray, rather than black and white. What is considered mistreatment? Is failing to give your animal proper care and love mistreatment or personal choice? In many cases, the issues of animal welfare violations may occur before an individual even gets takes ownership of their pet. For example, irresponsible commercial breeding facilities that focus on profit rather than animal welfare. When you receive an animal from one of these facilities or providers, you not only encourage them to remain open, but may inadvertently provide continued mistreatment and abuse.

Other instances of inhumane treatment include leaving your animal exposed to severe weather elements, failing to provide proper nutrition, or keeping an animal confined in a small space. Regardless of whether you support animal rights or animal welfare, remember that animal's deserve compassionate attention and care, just as humans do. Treating your pet with respect and love will create a life-long companionship between you.

If you notice any instance of animal abuse, cruelty, mistreatment, or suspect illegal activity, make sure you report it right away. If you rescue and animal that needs professional care and veterinarian care, make sure to find a local vet in your area that you can trust by searching through our directory.