The Foundation for Animal Use Education opposes the animal rights view because it is based on a flawed philosophy that excludes human beings from the natural world. They're all mammals. For example, in a world where ants and mosquitoes have the same rights as humans, it is not permissible for humans to protect themselves against these insects. Other animal rights advocates have taken the argument a step further. We have no basic right not to be harmed by those natural diseases we are heir to.
Animal rights means animals first.
Logically then, beavers may change the flow of streams, but Man must not. Cougars may eat sheep and chickens, but Man must not. For some activists, it isn't enough to become a vegetarian or even a vegan. Phasing out the human race by voluntarily ceasing to breed will allow Earth's biosphere to return to good health. Every new human brought into the world is a vote for humans and a death wish for animals.