Animal rights and the theory behind it

Which concept of animal rights is the best? Is it respect, freedom, intrinsic value, love, compassion, equality or something else? What should be the basis for animal rights? It is in the nature of animals to assert themselves in the animal world but this in itself has nothing to do with having rights. At a certain point in time man conceived the notion of 'rights' and it is man alone that employs such a concept. Why then do we speak of animal rights? The answer is quite simple: animal rights are meant to set limits to human behavior. If we fail to set clear legal limits to human behavior in relation to animals, it will be impossible to initiate legal proceedings against those who exceed these limits. Animals are vulnerable, defenseless and completely in man's power. Persons who disregard the well being of animals should be brought to court and be held accountable for violating animal rights. People and animals relate to each other in different ways: animal lovers keep them as pets those who like the taste of animals eat them some people like animals for the sake of sexual arousal some people believe their religion demands them to sacrifice animals some people who like animals just leave them alone What is the basis for granting rights to animals? Topics: Is there a satisfactory basic principle? Can freedom be maintained as a fundamental right if it is infringed? Isn't being an owner of an animal in conflict with the right of freedom? Advocating animal rights should be financially rewarded Should all wrongful actions towards animals be prohibited? Animals are only capable of expressing themselves indirectly in case of abuse. Therefore it is up to us to answer the question above. Concepts that are eligible for forming the basis of animal rights are intrinsic value, welfare, respect, freedom, equality, compassion etc. Many of these concepts seem appropriate but are less suitable if we apply them in practical situations.