Can the distinction between animal rights and animal welfare be explained simply?
Animal welfare theories all accept that animals have interests, but that these interests may be sacrificed or traded away as long as there are some expected results that are thought to justify that sacrifice. The primary difference among welfare theories is what counts as a justification. Some welfarists will ignore animal interests for the sake of human amusement and financial gain; others require more “serious” benefits. In addition, all welfare theories insist that any animal exploitation be done “humanely” and that animals not be subjected to “unnecessary” pain. The central and distinguishing tenet shared by rights theorists is that animals (like humans) have interests that cannot be sacrificed or traded away simply because good consequences will result. The rights position does not hold that rights are absolute. Indeed, rights must be limited, and they often conflict. For example, I have an interest in my liberty which is protected by a constitutional right, but that right is not
