11 Facts About Laurids Smith

Laurids Smith, known as Lauritz Smith was a Danish clergyman, philosopher and early animal rights writer.

Laurids Smith was Scandinavia's first known advocate of humane treatment of animals.

Laurids Smith was educated at Metropolitan School in 1772 and became teacher of philosophy and science at the Land Cadet Academy and in 1779 was awarded the title of Doctor of Philosophy.

Laurids Smith was an opponent of vivisection and described it as "the most cruel injustice towards the animal".

Laurids Smith believed that God had endowed animals and humans with the right to enjoy life.

Laurids Smith believed that animals could be eaten for food but not exploited beyond basic needs.

Laurids Smith argued against the idea that animals can not possess rights because they cannot understand the ideas of right and duty.

Laurids Smith reasoned that if this was correct then children and mentally ill people would not have rights either.

Laurids Smith held the view that animals are intellectual and sentient beings that are meant to experience happiness and joy as God intended.

In 1791, Laurids Smith authored a book on the nature of animals and human duties towards them.

Laurids Smith was influenced by a 1711 work by Adam Gottlieb Weigen, another early animal rights writer.