The Animals' Agenda

February 1, 2017

What do animals want? Freedom, according to Bekoff (ecology & evolutionary biology, Univ. of Colorado, Boulder; Rewilding Our Hearts) and Pierce (bioethics; Run, Spot, Run), whose latest collaboration continues the theme of understanding animals. The authors argue that animal welfare (or the idea that using animals for food, research, or entertainment is permissible as long as we treat them humanely) is harmful, and using current research and their own experiences, they demonstrate that people need to stop relying on animals for their own purposes. Bekoff and Pierce believe that the concept of animal welfare masks the injustices done to animals and denies them their basic liberties; we must strive for well-being, not welfare. Although this book contains some compelling arguments, there are few suggestions for how to put the authors' beliefs into practice. However, those readers with similar attitudes will eagerly consume this title, and students will appreciate its ample endnotes. Potential converts might be deterred by the comments about those who don't agree with the authors' ideals, such as animal welfare advocates, zoo employees, animal behavior expert Temple Grandin, and pet owners (pets are "captive"). VERDICT Bekoff and Pierce want to create a shift in the human-animal relationship, and those who are ready to do so will want to read this book.--Elissa Cooper, Helen Plum Memorial Lib., Lombard, IL

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2017
Stories of exploited, abandoned, and abused wildlife, farm animals, zoo animals, and even domestic pets pepper news headlines and tug at heart strings. Although the public may be hyperaware of the increasingly manipulative role humans play in the lives of animals, they may not understand that involvement from an animal's point of view. The science and study of animal emotions and cognition concentrates on aspects of freedoms from such torments as hunger, pain, and fear in a mode that is shifting away from straightforward animal welfare and into the realm of animal well-being. The difference is subtle and significant. By examining practices used in commercial farming and laboratory research, zoo housing and companion care, the authors assess current thinking in ways designed to enhance those freedoms currently extended to or withheld from animals in a broad variety of circumstances. Through meticulous research and with a rational and reasoned approach, prolific animal rights advocate Bekoff (Rewilding Our Hearts, 2014) and colleague Pierce advocate for violence-free, more compassionate, and harmonious relations between humans and animals in all situations.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)