Full Idea
It seems to me that the concept of intentionality introduces the first genuine claim of animals upon our sympathies and our moral concern.
Clarification
'Intentionality' is the capacity to think about things
Gist of Idea
Animals command our sympathy and moral concern initially because of their intentionality
Source
Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.16)
Book Reference
Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.16
A Reaction
Good. If one's approach to morality is Humean (via sympathy) this seems right. Utilitarianism bases animal rights on qualia (pleasures and pains).