Why Animals Matter: The Case for Animal Protection

by Erin E. Williams and Margo Demello

This is a concise yet complete overview of the problems of animal suffering, linking them to larger issues of human and environmental exploitation. Authors Erin E. Williams and Margo DeMello examine industries that exploit animals - meat processing companies and agribusinesses; medical experimentation and cosmetic testing facilities; the entertainment industry (circuses, rodeos, zoos, racing, and film making); the pet industry; the fur and leather...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591025230
• ISBN13: 9781591025238
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 397 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

I felt empowered reading it

Why Animals Matter is full of information about the routine, systematic ways that animals are abused at the hands of the meat industry, fur trade, puppy mills, and more -- with a heavy emphasis on factory farms. It delivers an excellent overview of the suffering endured by billions of farm animals each year simply to satisfy the American appetite for cheap eggs, meat, and dairy products. Thanks to the stories of rescued animals, as well as the multitude of simple ways that everyone can help reduce animal suffering, the overall effect is one of inspiration -- it's easy to see that even with easy and enjoyable changes, we can make a huge improvement in the lives of animals. Why Animals Matter is also ideal for people who are concerned about the environment and social justice. The authors heavily outline the way that factory farms -- and other industries that exploit animals -- devastate the environment and harm people. Overall, it's a compelling and accessible treatment of a critically-important social issue. Highly recommended.

Wonderful Read

Why Animals Matter is a thought-provoking book about how we use animals in our daily lives, sometimes without even knowing it. It opens your eyes to the cruel treatment animals endure in food production, fur farms, laboratories, and other industrial uses. What makes Why Animals Matter such a wonderful book is that it not only tells you about the abuses animals endure for human use, it also lays out how each and every one of us can help improve their lives. This will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to make a difference in the lives of countless animals. Why Animals Matter is an easy read and a wonderful gift for anyone interested in animals. This is the type of book will have a lasting impact in your life.

Great Book

The way in which we treat animals is inconsistent, and the authors use common-sense explanations and examples in the heavily-footnoted book to illustrate this point. I have lived with companion animals, lavished them with treats and toys, spent thousands of dollars for their care, and suffered when they passed away. Why Animals Matter illustrates the hidden suffering of most animals with whom we share the earth. From farm animals, to wildlife, to laboratory animals, to companion animals, to animals used for fur - Why Animals Matter describes the industries that transform animals into food, sport, tools and clothing. The environment and people also suffer from our mistreatment of animals. Why Animals Matter illustrates the degradation of our planet in our hunger for more and cheaper meat and the suffering of workers who are trapped by the industry, work in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, and are blocked from unionizing. It also details the environmental and social problems caused by other industries that profit from animals. Why Animals Matter would be a great resource for schools, colleges, researchers, and students ... as well as people who simply want to learn more about animal protection. The book is well-organized, level-headed, and a good read.

This is a great book

Why Animals Matter takes a realistic look at the ways in which we use animals in our society, how those uses often cause enormous suffering, and what we can each do about it. The point of the book isn't just to chronicle the multitude of ways in which animals are abused; it also shows that there's a better relationship we can have with these individuals who are at humanity's mercy. We can move from a human-animal relationship based on violence and exploitation toward one that's based on compassion and respect. The authors deserve credit for not just focusing on animals with whom we're most familiar, such as dogs and cats. While dog and cat protection is certainly critical, by putting emphasis on the plight of animals raised for food (especially chickens), the authors make it clear that animal protection should be about all animals, even those with whom we're less familiar. (Although as is pointed out in the book, farm animals are every bit as intelligent and interesting as dogs and cats can be.) In fact, the chapter on animal agribusiness is the most powerful in the book, giving a sober and unflinching examination of each farm animal industry. The book is worthwhile reading for animal advocates and newcomers to the topic alike.

Comprehensive!

As a person concerned with animal welfare, but not one who has read extensively about the subject, this book provided a great overview of the various industries involved, and how their actions affect animals, the environment, and social justice. Obtaining an advanced copy, I was impressed with the extensive footnoting (great for future reading!), and the case studies used to supplement the facts provided. I also appreciated the way the authors wrote in a reasonable, factual, straight-forward way about everything from factory farming to the pet industry. A great introduction to animal welfare, it even provides easy ways people can effect change for animals in their everyday lives. This book will open your eyes to things you never knew existed, and help you to help lessen the needless suffering of animals worldwide.