Animal Welfare vs Animal Rights Groups

Ever since I became involved in the pseudo-sanctuary case, I learned there are two separate and distinct animal groups--animal welfare and animal rights. What's the difference between these two groups? Well, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, defines animal welfare groups as:

Animal welfare groups argue for greater protection for non-human animals, particularly those used by human beings in laboratories or in entertainment, as well as domestic animals such as those used for food, labour, or as companions (pets).

Unlike animal rights groups, animal welfare groups do not argue that animals should never be used, or kept as property, by human beings. Nor do any animal welfare groups advocate violence. These groups tend to seek legal, social and financial strategies.

The following is a list of animal welfare groups:

Animal Chaplains Animal Defenders International (ADI)Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF)Animal Protection Institute (API)American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)Animal Welfare Institute (AWI)Anti-Cruelty Society (in Chicago in the US) ("to prevent cruelty to animals") British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR)Born Free Foundation The Blue Cross Cats Protection (formerly Cats Protection League)Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)Compassion In World Farming (CIWF)Dogs Trust (formerly National Canine Defense League)Eurogroup for Animals International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre League Against Cruel Sports (previously also known as LACS)Marine Connection People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA)Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RNZSPCA) Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) Society for Animal Protective Legislation (SAPL)Shark Trust WDCS (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society)World Society for the Protection of Animals(WSPA)

According to Wikipedia, animal rights, also known as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings. Animal rights advocates approach the issue from different philosophical positions, but they agree that animals should no longer be regarded as property, or used as food, clothing, research subjects, or entertainment, but should instead be viewed as legal persons and members of the moral community.

Examples of animal rights groups:

Animal Aid (UK)Animal Defense League (ADL)Animal Liberation Leagues
Animal Liberation Press Office
Animal liberty

Anonymous for Animal Rights
Center on Animal Liberation Affairs (CALA)The Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT)Compassion Over Killing (COK)Friends of Animals (FoA)The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)In Defense of Animals (IDA)People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Southern Animal Rights Coalition (SARC) Uncaged Campaigns Vegan Society
Vegetarians' International Voice for Animals (Viva!)Western Animal Rights Network (WARN)

The pseudo-sanctuary pretends to be an "animal rights" advocate, but the truth be known, the directors eat meat and possess items made from leather. They see the sanctuary's animals as their property and treat them as such. The board of directors is more interested in protecting the "business" than protecting the animals, which definitely excludes them from being an animal welfare facility. Like other large animal rights (AR) groups, the pseudo-sanctuary believes no one should own an exotic wild animal--except for its self, of course--after all, they have to protect their business!

You may recall the pseudo-sanctuary claimed the facility was in dire straights due to financial problems. And yet, the facility claimed in December 2008, that it took in 18 exotic animals (to include tigers), 40 primates, 50 domestic cats and around 40 feral cats.

From what I have been able to gather, the pseudo-sanctuary charges former owners about $3500 per primate and $75 per cat for "life long care." Sadly, the previous owners of the animals have no idea what happened to their animals, for when inquiries are made, the pseudo-sanctuary directors would claim the animals are doing well and thriving or in the case of former cat owners, the cat has been adopted out to a "good home"--even in some cases when the pseudo-sanctuary knew the animals were dead.

A responsible animal welfare organization would not take in MORE animals during a time of financial crisis. Instead, it would focus on improving its financial situation for the benefit of the animals, making sure there was enough money for important things like, I don't know, food, clean water, and vet care!

So, next time you hear a story about an animal sanctuary on TV, print, or radio, ask yourself, is this animal rights organization or an animal welfare organization. Do your homework. Ask questions. Believe me, there is a difference between the two groups. And in the case of the pseudo-sanctuary, it may not belong to either group!