What is the term for the belief that animals should not be kept as pets?

The belief that animals should not be kept as pets is encapsulated in the concept of animal rights. This philosophy emphasizes that animals have intrinsic rights that are often overlooked within the context of pet ownership and other human-animal relationships. Proponents argue that keeping animals as pets can lead to a range of ethical issues, such as exploitation, lack of autonomy, and the potential for mistreatment, effectively positioning animals as beings with their own rights, rather than mere property or commodities.

Animal welfare, on the other hand, focuses on the well-being of animals and advocates for humane treatment within various contexts, including pets. While it aims to ensure that animals are treated kindly and live healthy lives, it does not necessarily oppose pet ownership. Animal protection involves efforts to preserve animal habitats and protect them from harm, while animal advocacy encompasses a broader range of activities aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of animals, not limited to the debate over pet ownership. Thus, while all these concepts relate to our treatment of animals, animal rights specifically aligns with the belief that animals should not be kept as pets.