Responses to Arguments Against Animal Rights

Why is it so hard to understand that animals should have rights? Some people, like Christians, say that the Bible states that humans have dominion over animals. That might be so, but it doesn't mean that we should torture them. Notice, the Bible didn't state that we should be tyrants.
Others might argue that animals have no emotions. That is also untrue. Let's use dogs as an example. When a dog growls and shows his (or her) teeth, the dog is considered angry. You're supposed to leave it alone. A dog wags it's tail, and people say, "Oh, Spot's happy." When Spot puts his tail between his legs, people try to comfort him because he's scared. Anger, happiness and fear are all emotions that humans have too.
I've met some people who've asked me why I don't believe in plants rights. For one thing, there is no scientific research supporting that plants feel pain. They do not have brains, nerves or a central nervous system. Sure, they're made out of cells, but so is that well cooked piece of cow sitting in front of you at the dinner table. Cells, after all, are the building blocks of life.
But animals are stupid. Well, aren't there some pretty stupid humans? Look at our cousin, the gorilla. Their DNA is 1% different than ours. Gorillas have been taught to read books, to speak sign language, and to tell time. There are gorilla sanctuaries, and some gorillas in the sanctuaries actually own pets. When their pet dies, they've been known to grieve.
Does anyone really care though? Yes. That's why organizations like Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) were formed. People care. In fact, PETA, the largest animal rights organization in the world, has over 800,000 members.