Historically, animals were viewed as property, and their treatment was largely regulated by laws that protected human interests rather than animal well-being. However, with the rise of the animal welfare movement in the 19th century, there was a growing recognition of the need to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. The concept of animal rights gained momentum in the 20th century, with philosophers like Peter Singer and Tom Regan arguing that animals have inherent rights and interests that should be respected.
Animals have played a crucial role in medical breakthroughs, from vaccines to surgical techniques. The welfare approach focuses on the : Historically, animals were viewed as property, and their