Animal rights : what everyone needs to know
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

In this book the author navigates the many heated debates surrounding the complex and controversial animal rights movement. Organized around a series of probing questions, this resource offers a survey of the animal rights movement. The book covers the full spectrum of issues, beginning with a clear, highly instructive definition of animal rights. It looks at the different concerns surrounding companion animals, wild animals, research animals, work animals, and animals used for food, provides a no nonsense assessment of the treatment of animals, and addresses the philosophical and legal arguments that form the basis of animal rights. Along the way, readers will gain insight into the history of animal protection, as well as the political and social realities facing animals today, and become familiar with a range of hot button topics, from animal cognition and autonomy, to attempts to balance animal cruelty versus utility. Chronicled here are many key figures and organizations responsible for moving the animal rights movement forward, as well as legislation and public policy that have been carried out around the world in the name of animal rights and animal protection. The final chapter of this volume looks ahead to the future of animal rights, and delivers an animal protection mandate for citizens, scientists, governments, and other stakeholders. With its multidisciplinary, non-ideological focus and all-inclusive coverage, this work represents a survey of the animal rights movement, animal law, and environmental ethics.