Singer debate

I’m going to try add a link!

I came across this debate the other day. Its between Peter Singer, the most famous proponent of animal rights (well philosopher at least), and Richard A. Posner, an American judge. Read it and form your own judgment. I just want to note a point in the debate where judge Posner make it clear that he is not on the same page a Singer at all. He opposes any laws making cages larger on the grounds that it would coerce farmers. Now I’m no fan of coercion but, what about the coercion of the animals!? He obviously thinks that animals can’t be coerced but does not argue for the conclusion. Here is what dictionary.com has to say on coercion “the act of compelling by force of authority”. How does this not apply to animals? This is Singers point, animals are important IN THEIR OWN RIGHT!