Today, the idea that a pig has a right not to be confined in a crate that prevents her from turning around seems radical. But as neuroscientist Dr. Lori Marino notes, "The difference between a human and a pig is not a difference in kind, but a difference in degree."
The tension between is often described as "reform vs. abolition." This mirrors the historical debate in human abolitionist movements (e.g., "better slavery" vs. "no slavery").
The Abolition of Exploitation
In 1822, the United Kingdom passed the "Martin’s Act," the first legislation aimed at preventing cruelty to cattle. This paved the way for the formation of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in 1824. Initially, these efforts were focused on "cruelty"—specifically, wanton acts of violence against working animals like horses and livestock.