By comparing the highest functioning animals to the lowest functioning humans, such as infants and mentally incapable adults who may have less autonomy than certain animals but are still afforded rights, æüˆÃ¹é creates a “surface appeal” for his argument that some animals should be given rights.

Do we then put the lion on trial for the merciless, inhumane killing of the innocent zebra? Of course not, because we all instinctively know animals are amoral and cannot be held accountable for their actions.