giving animals the same rights as humans

Putting down an animal, especially a pet requires great thought from owners and council. This process is generally mandatory and are only put down in the event of serious injuries and a high likely hood of future occurrence (which could be life threatening). Humans do not have the ability to rehabilitate or rationalize with animals as they either do not have the thinking capacity, or the language to communicate. Dogs who attack are proven to be far more likely to attack again, however due to the inability and funding problems they are put down when necessary (to the better of society). Your argument states that killing ants is acceptable if it is inadvertent or for the well being of others. However how can you label animals with higher sentient emotion then others and provide them with differing degrees of care. As in the question of factory farming, much movement, particularly in the Territory ACT (Australia) legislation has been passed to prevent the cruel treatment of caged hens. Other areas of Australia are reviewing their policies and treatment of animals in factory farming. However passing legislation against the conduct of such DOES NOT require HUMAN RIGHTS. Human rights are not necessary to animals in avoidance of cruel treatment. Additionally, Hunting animals requires strict permits and is only allowed in selected seasons so the animals have time to regenerate. However I do not concur with the ability to hunt as it is cruel to animals. Also, increasing the punishment for animal murder to that of a human will not correct the problem. Humans who are convicted of life in prison are released and often DO COMMIT THE CRIME AGAIN. Therefore the increasing the offence does not ensure it will not happen again. Your argument is not addressing rewarding animals with 'human rights' but instead is only saying they should be free from cruelty. Different countries legislate different rights, so for universabilty i will reference the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Such articles include The right to religion: Article 18. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. Freedom of opinion and expression Article 19. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. The right to marriage Article 16. (1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. (2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses. (3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State. Right to Education Article 26. (1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. (2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace. (3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children. Such rights would not be suitable for animals, and thus should not be provided for them. Please address this issue. Animals do not require the same rights as humans do be free from torture