Should animals have rights?

About this episode

This episode explores the complexities of animal rights and welfare through expert discussions.

From the pets we love to the animals we rarely see, our relationship with non-human life is full of contradictions. In this episode, we explore what it really means to protect animals and whether welfare is enough, or if rights are the way forward. Beginning with a simple question inspired by my own dog, Pip, this episode moves from the personal to the global. Through conversations with experts including Jeff Sebo, Jonathan Birch, Jo-Anne McArthur and Carrie Friese, we examine how ideas about sentience, law, and ethics are shaping the future of animal protection. In this episode of LSE iQ, Mike Wilkerson asks: Should animals have rights? This year’s #LSEFestival, taking place from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 June 2026, will explore the impact of these global challenges, and how individuals, communities, organisations, corporations, and those with political power should be tackling them to save the planet! Find out more info and browse the programme here: https://www.lse.ac.uk/Events/LSE-Festival/2026

People in this episode

Host: Mike Wilkerson

Guests: Jeff Sebo, Jonathan Birch, Jo-Anne McArthur, Carrie Friese

Topics covered

• animal rights
• animal welfare
• sentience
• ethics
• law
• animal protection

Keywords

• animal rights
• animal welfare
• sentience
• ethics
• law
• protection
• LSE Festival

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LSE

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