To be ‘for animals’ is not to be ‘against humanity.’ To require others to treat animals justly, as their rights require, is not to ask for anything more nor less in their case than in the case of any human to whom just treatment is due. The animal rights movement is a part of, not opposed to, the human rights movement. (Tom Regan)

The Peaceful Planet advocates egalitarianism which includes all species (see Oscar Horta) and that all human and non-human animals have the right to live a long, joyful and peaceful life, free from the fear of slaughter, violence, abuse, exploitation, and exclusion.

The first known legislation in favour of animal rights was in the 17th century. Jeremy Bentham in ‘A Utilitarian View‘ was one of the first philosophers to argue in favour of animal rights.

Tom Regan

One of the finest animal rights advocates was the late, great Tom Regan. He spoke, wrote and campaigned ardently all his academic life for animal rights and one of his greatest and most compelling speeches was fortunately captured on film:

Whether a non-human animal is born in the wild or bred for human exploitation, the non-human animal itself is completely unaware of why it exists within our universe.

But, as a sentient and cognisant creature, it still WANTS to exist – and fears for its own life and for its family’s life when endangered by cruel and incompassionate humans.

Given this, we believe all non-human animals should be able to live freely on planet Earth with their own family and to be able to nurture and love their own offspring without any human harm or human exploitation whatsoever.

And yet, here we are in the 21st century of human civilisation, when animal rights need never require the enactment of any laws or legislation.

For non-human animal rights begins in the heart of every human animal.

Each and every one of us, through our own virtuous actions of non-violence, non-exploitation, non-abuse, compassion, gentleness, kindness, and love, is capable of affording all non-human animals the liberation, freedom and peacefulness they deserve as co-habitants of planet earth.