If you're exploring this topic from an academic, literary, or a safely distanced interest perspective, here are some points to consider:
The one thing that blurs the line between welfare and rights is modern neuroscience. The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness (2012) publicly asserted that mammals, birds, and even octopuses possess the neurological substrates of consciousness. If you're exploring this topic from an academic,
focuses on the well-being and humane treatment of animals. It allows for the use of animals by humans (for food, research, or companionship) as long as standards of care are met and unnecessary suffering is avoided. or a safely distanced interest perspective
Despite the progress, the 21st century presents massive challenges for animal advocates: and Animal Rights
, which focuses on the humane treatment and scientific assessment of animal well-being, and Animal Rights