Video

Theory of Animal Rights

Professor Francione has developed a theory of animal rights that relies only on the sentience of nonhumans and that requires the abolition, and not merely the regulation, of animal exploitation. Professor Francione’s theory, which is developed in Introduction to Animal Rights: Your Child or the Dog? (Temple University Press, 2000), differs considerably from those proposed by others, most notably Peter Singer and Tom Regan.

Animals as Property

Professor Francione argues that the property status of animals renders meaningless animal welfare laws that prohibit the infliction of “unnecessary” suffering and require the “humane” treatment of nonhumans. Professor Francione’s book, Animals, Property, and the Law (Temple University Press, 1995), provided the first legal analysis of the property status of animals and was described by Tom Regan as a “work of unquestionable historic importance.”

Animal Rights vs. Animal Welfare

Professor Francione argues that there are profound theoretical and practical differences between animal rights and animal welfare. He is critical of what he calls “new welfarism,” or the position that incremental improvements in animal welfare will lead to the abolition of animal exploitation. These views are contained in Rain Without Thunder: The Ideology of the Animal Rights Movement (Temple University Press, 1996).

Animal Law

Professor Francione maintains that “animal law” ought to be concerned about the incremental abolition of the property status of nonhumans, and that the tendency of animal lawyers to focus on anticruelty cases, veterinary malpractice, pet custody, and pet trust cases is mistaken.

Exploring Rights for Animals: A Series of Interviews by Gooseberry Productions

Click here for Exploring Rights for Animals: A Series of Interviews by Gooseberry Productions.

Professor Francione Debates Professor Tibor Machan: “Do Animals Have Rights?”

January 12, 2012

Professor Francione Debates Professor Tibor Machan: “Do Animals Have Rights?” from Gary L. Francione on Vimeo.

The Use of Animals in Biomedical Research: A Moral Justification?

March 8, 2011

The Use of Animals in Biomedical Research: A Moral Justification? from Gary L. Francione on Vimeo.

Professor Francione on Documentary Project, “I’m Vegan”

Adam Kochanowicz Interviews Professor Francione on Moral Schizophrenia and Animal Rights Ideology

October 22, 2009 @ Rutgers University School of Law-Newark

The primary focus of the interview concerns a comprehensive analysis of the animal movement and the importance of veganism. Additional topics include economic philosophy, our relations with nonhuman animals, and the failures of welfarism.

Professor Francione Delivers Keynote Address at the 2009 JAINA Convention

July 3, 2009 @ Jain Center of Southern California

JAINA is the Federation of Jain Associations in North America. The theme at the 2009 Convention was: “Ecology: The Jain Way.”

Professor Francione Presents Animal Rights and Animal Welfare

April 16, 2008 @ Meeting of Animal Advocates, Paris, France

Professor Francione speaks in English and a paraphrase translation is provided by Valéry Giroux, P.D student (philosophy) at the University of Montréal in Canada. The focus of his presentation is the theoretical and practical failure of animal welfare.

Animal World Interviews Professor Francione on “A Closer Look at Animal Rights”

April 15, 2008 @ Animal World, Paris, France

The primary focus of the interview concerns the importance of veganism as the moral baseline of the rights/abolitionist movement.

Professor Francione Keynotes “Animal Rights: The Last Ten Years”

April 7, 2006 @ Duke University School of Law, North Carolina, USA

Professor Francione gave the keynote address at a conference on Animals and the Law held on April 7, 2006 at Duke University School of Law in North Carolina. He focused on how recent welfare reform had failed to shift away from the property paradigm in any significant way.