Book Description

In this memorable first book, Behind the Dolphin Smile, Richard O'Barry told the inspiring story of his personal transformation from world-famous dolphin trainer (Flipper was his pupil) to dolphin liberator. Now, in To Free a Dolphin, he passionately recounts the dramatic story of his heart-breaking campaign to release captive dolphins back into the wild. With wit and insight he chronicles the extreme opposition he has faced from bureaucrats, major players in the captive-dolphin industry, rival wildlife groups, and well-meaning sentimentalists. He introduces readers to famous show animals he has helped, including Bogie and Bacall of Key Largo. And, most fascinating, he describes his struggles to deprogram and rehabilitate dolphins emotionally scarred from years of captivity--struggles that become battles for the animals' souls.

O'Barry is nothing if not controversial--passionate about his mission, adamant in his beliefs. And it is some measure of the incredible strength of the opposition to animal rights that it requires all the cunning, all the persistence, and all the strength of character O'Barry possesses to undo even a part of what the billion-dollar captive-animal establishment has created. In the movie, it may be child's play to free a killer whale like Willy. In real life, doing what is right is not so easily accomplished. Whatever one's beliefs about animal rights, one has to admire O'Barry as an authentic American original with a distinctly American dream.
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Reviews (2)

This book made me want to go out and free dolphins!...
Wow, this book is great! All I have to say is, if you are the kind of person who doesn't care if their tuna fish is Dolphin Safe, you might not care enough about dolphins to read the whole book. But if you care about your fellow animals, this is a good book to read. I went out and immediately started freeing dolphins. I have freed only 4 so far, but that was not my fault as my dolphin-freeing career was cut short when one of the buggers bit me in the leg and I had to retire from my Project.

And another thing. Disney makes all these movies about whales, whales, whales. Free Willy. Free Willy 2. Free Willy 33 1/3. Well, don't THEY care about freeing dolphins? NO! Why? Because they're all about making money! And studies show that young kids would rather cuddle a plush killer whale than a plush dolphin! It's the merchandising.

Anyway, after reading this review you should be ready to buy my^D^D the book and free some dolphins. After all, fish are people too!

EXCITING STORY, FREE WILLY WITH A DOLPHIN
The author, former trainer for dolphins starring on the much beloved Flipper tv series, details his struggle with big industry while he tries to return dolphins to the wild. There is a big trial in which the author loses a sizable civil fine for his liberation activities. He still has a let's get on with life joie de vivre about him. O'Barry's life is the stuff of drama and he's a modern day David in the eternal struggle with Goliath, in this case the captivity industry. ... Read more

Book Description

Morality's Progress is the summation of nearly three decades of work by a leading figure in environmental ethics and bioethics. The twenty-two papers here are invigoratingly diverse, but together tell a unified story about various aspects of the morality of our relationships to animals and to nature. Jamieson's direct and accessible essays will convince sceptics that thinking about these relations offers great intellectual reward, and his work here sets a challenging, controversial agenda for the future. ... Read more

Book Description

In recent years, the efforts of philosophers, scientists and activists to raise public awareness of the treatment of animals has laid the foundation for an enormous change in human practice.Animals and Their Moral Standing traces the development of "animal rights." And brings together, for the first time, many of the writings of Stephen R.L. Clark. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Irrefutable Proof That Vivisection Does Not And Can Not Work
Taking the much needed and long awaited leap across the philosophical quagmire, the distinguished physician and professor Pietro Croce objectively refutes -- not merely rebuts -- the archaic yet blindly accepted dictum that animal experimentation, or vivisection, has benefited humankind or has advanced medical progress and practise. Croce provides, in accessible explanations, all the factual, proven evidence necessary to expose vivisection as an outright scientific fraud, an inherently flawed and erroneous methodology, based on false premises and illogical reasoning. This book incontrovertibly demonstrates both how and why vivisection is a tragic medical and scientific failure that harms, not helps, both persons and animals alike, and debunks all claims to the contrary as so much smoke and mirrors. Proceeding a step further, Croce shows that vivisection, being bad science, has compromised rather than contributed to medical knowledge and understanding, resulting in the diametrical opposite of what proponents of animal experimentation espouse. One myth after another is dispelled, clearly and calmly, until vivisection is laid bare as the regressive failure it is and always has been. Finally, the book reveals exactly and precisely what constitutes legitimate and genuinely scientific biomedical research, study and enquiry, and how these and only these have brought about all that is of value in medicine. Charted is a detailed and rational course to pursue now and in future for the betterment of all humankind, absent from which is experimenting upon animals. ... Read more

Book Description

Hinduism scholar Steven Rosen explores the world of the Hare Krishna movement, which has been instrumental in raising awareness of vegetarianism and the plight of animals in the United States. Holy Cow begins by introducing the Hare Krishna movement and of its colorful singing and dancing, its book distribution program, and especially its restaurants, sacred food distribution, and delicious vegetarian cuisine.

Rosen returns to the early days of Indian culture, to a time when daily life was based on Vedic principles and scriptural wisdom, and shows how vegetarianism and animal rights were endorsed by the Vedic texts. Rosen reveals how a tension was created by a concomitant endorsement of animal sacrifices in ancient Indian culture, a tension that led in part to the beginnings of Jainism and Buddhism.

Rosen then examines the rise of Vaishnavism—the worship of the god Vishnu, or Krishna—and how Vaishnavites were sympathetic to vegetarianism and animal rights, showing the link between the contemporary Hare Krishna movement (ISKCON), founded in the 1960s, and the ancient Vaishnavaites and all that they have accomplished in between. Rosen looks at the "Food for Life" program, the restaurants and cookbooks, and the various forms of writing about vegetarianism and animal rights. The book also includes recipes for those who wish to taste Krishna.

In conclusion, Rosen illustrates how deeply Hare Krishna devotees have influenced the contemporary vegetarian movement and its call for ahimsa, or nonviolence, toward all living beings. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In Ranch of Dreams, Cleveland Amory recounts his adventures traveling hither and yon for the Fund for Animals, saving creatures from human excesses. A zoo lover since being introduced to Anna Sewell's Black Beauty during childhood, Amory has made a great project of founding and maintaining an East Texas ranch that serves as a sanctuary for endangered and abused creatures, from burros evicted from the Grand Canyon to a great menagerie of kinkajous, foxes, pigs, aoudads, buffalo, and elephants, among others. He is a gracious and knowledgeable commentator on the lives of these animals, and a man of considerable tact, which must have helped when dealing with, say, the Defense Department in his efforts to save wild goats from a California island used for gunnery practice. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Ranch of Dreams is Excellent!
I absolutely loved this book.Although difficult to handle when reading about the abuse of animals, it is so well written that you just can't put it down.Cleveland's sense of humor shows through his writing and makes this book a must-read!And, if you haven't been to the Ranch of Dreams - you must go!!! Black Beauty Ranch in TX is the most beautiful place in the world - and the beauty is so much more than what meets the eye!

Maybe a life-changing book.
Cleveland Amory wrote of his beloved cat Polar Bear, "Heaven will be no heaven for me if Polar Bear is not there."

I say heaven will be no heaven for me if Cleveland Amory is not there. Anyone with even a small soft spot in his heart cannot fail to be moved by the stories of the Black Beauty Ranch and the animals of various species that call it home.

Someone recently asked me what I'd do if I didn't need to work for a living. I think I'd want to go to Murchison, Texas and help care for the ranch's residents.

Ranch of Dreams Made Me Proud To Be A Texan
Having never read anything by Cleveland Amory before I was quite surprised to learn of Black Beauty Ranch in East Texas.Ranch of Dreams opened my eyes to what really goes on behind the circus tents,most haunting and heartwrenching the cruel treatment of the elephants,ripped from their mothers and herds and beaten into submission.Dear Mr Amory;he passed before writing a follow up book. The book is well worth the read,a lesson in human compassion,and when you are finished,pass it on to a friend.

Ranch of Dreams left me wanting more.
I guess I just expected more from this book. I wanted more personal experiences and more discussions of individual animals that had been brought to the ranch. I feel that the book was to "general" inits approach. It just wasn't personal enough.

heart breaking
This is the best piece of non-fiction ever written.It is about an amazing ranch that takes in abused animals and their stories.The abuse mentioned in this book is horrible.From the tortured wild horses to theoutrageous mistreatment of circus elephants.I could not put this bookdown.The only times that I did was when the tears blurred the pages. ... Read more

Book Description

Rose Block's awe-inspiring quest to rescue dogs from abusive and violent owners and the dangers of the streets-a heartwarming true story that will thrill and inspire millions of pet-owners and animal lovers everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The world no one cares about
I stumbled across this book and almost didn't buy it because I knew it would make me bawl like a baby.I wasn't wrong.

Having worked organized rescue, I've seen some horrible situations.I'm not sure anyone can fully understand the horrors of a puppy mill without not having been to one and pulled dogs out.

Animals are abused and neglected every day.And sadly, in most states, such a thing is a misdemeanor at best.A misdemeanor that no one wants to bother enforcing.The fact that animals are often times after thoughts, disposable pieces of garbage that people can toss away without a glance back seems to be unimportant to many people.And to those it does matter to, they often find themselves frustrated and at a loss when having to deal with the red tape and rules when it comes to trying to help these animals.

But at least those people try to help.

Someone earlier stated that helping one or two dogs doesn't help the big picture.Maybe not.But tell that to the dogs who found new homes and new lives.

Some folks may call Rose Block a vigilante.Personally I say more power to her.Even if you're not an animal person, how anyone could sit by and watch one be as horribly abused as she describes is beyond me.While the writing in this book is obviously not at a "professional" level, the story that is told is both gut wrenching and inspiring.

That being said, the world needs more people like Rose.People who understand that if we can't even care for the animals, how can we possibly care for ourselves?

A Hard Book To Put Down
While reading this book, I simply lost track of time getting lost in the story.It's a gripping story that pulls you into a world that was unknown to me.The story was unique and interesting.This book would make a great movie.

A highly recommended read!!!

Oh Boy is this book Bad
This artlessly written book came highly recommended by a friend, and now I am afraid that I might have to actually tell them what I thought.

What I think is that this is the story of a woman who, though well intentioned, has not the slightest grasp on the world.She encounters bureaucracies which infuriate her but makes no attempts at changing the system from within.And it's not that she tries and fails.She doesn't ever try to change the system, she just complains about it.

She sets out on a "one animal at a time" misguided adventure that is bound to create more problems than it solves.She consistently ignores the sound advice of others and places herself and a ten year old boy in danger.For example, she disregards her husbands suggestion that volunteering at a shelter might be a useful way to help.It would provide more human resources to an agency that, by her own experience, is clearly in need of help.She dismisses that out of hand, without ever exploring it, because she feels it is not "hands on" or immediate enough.

Perhaps the most ludicrous thing to happen in the book occurs when the "vigilante" begins throwing dog food around a poor neighborhood in the hopes of "helping the animals."She is incredulous when some of the neighbors react adversely.The dogs are described as being in "packs."I don't want some stranger from a rich neighborhood encouraging essentially wild-dogs to hang out at my front door either.Not to mention that the food she was throwing would also encourage rats and raccoons in the neighborhood, both persistent city animals and frequent carriers of rabies.

The author(s) either failed to research or failed to comprehend the laws pertaining to animal ownership, animal desertion, animal cruelty, property rights, and probably a few others.They also failed to comprehend the meaning of the word vigilante: one who seeks to avenge a crime or injury or punish a criminal without legal authority or due process.If she had taken some measure of action against the owners, she would be a vigilante.All she did was steal/rescue dogs.

The writing is shoddy and the characters come out flat.They are chaotic and emotional, but lack any roundness or true development.I was left not really liking or identifying with any of them for more than a passing moment.The writer relied on the ignorance of the average reader, and never fully explained many details.This book is an example of writing for an eighth-grade reading-level, but deals with complex themes and encourages a disregard for authority that is inappropriate for that age-level.It's a complete waste of money and will find it's way into my garage sale box immediately and with my sympathy to the buyer.

Excellent Book!
This is one of the best books that I have read! It is a very inspiring, true story about a woman devoted to rescuing abused dogs at any risks. It is very touching and hard to put down.It will make you think twice the next time you see a starving stray dog or one chained on a cold night.

Buy This Book!
This is a riveting, beautifully written story of one woman's struggle to do what she perceives is right. The protagonist is a fascinating woman who is compelled to act on behalf of helpless animals without regard to her personal safety or welfare.

I think that the reviewers from Austin seem to be a bit defensive. (And yes I HAVE volunteered in a shelter and yes I HAVE adopted old stray dogs and yes I CAN comprehend multisyllabic words and yes I DID LOVE this book!!) Whether you think Rose Blocks actions are heroic and admirable or you think she is insane, you can't deny that her story is fascinating. And Delilah Ahrendt tells it articulately, clearly and with a delightful style! Buy this book and enjoy!! ... Read more

Book Description

Animal rights extremists argue that eating meat is murder and that pets are slaves. This compelling reappraisal of the human-animal bond, however, shows that domestication of animals is not an act of exploitation but a brilliantly successful evolutionary strategy that has benefited humans and animals alike. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Thought provoking ideas about domestication
Despite the other reviewers that dislike this book and the ideas presented in it, I found it fascinating. I have a suspicion that negative reviewers were people with an extreme animal rights philosophy (very different than animal welfare and often confused by the lay person). This book does not concentrate on modern animal agriculture or a defense of it (many aspects of which I do not like), but instead explores the process of domestication and the relationship between domestic animals and humans. Other reviewers comments that suggest Budiansky says things such as, battery hens _like_ to live in small cages, indicates to me that they did not get the point of this book. Budiansky doesn't suggest that animals like to be mistreated, he suggests that a strategy for a species to survive may have been to pair its fate with humans. If you want to learn more about the evolution of and scientific principles behind the strategy of domestication, you will find this book to be illuminating!

Science for the Lay Reader
I found this a fascinating book with a wealth of information and arguments that are stated cogently. It is well-written and very readable. I have recommended it to many friends and given it as a present. I have read most of Mr. Budiansky's books (other than the code-breaking one) and, although I was not as happy with the second book and with the book about horses, I still found them good reading. Wth regard to the book about cats, a subject on which I have tried to do research, I found that his statement of facts and theories did, for the most part, jibe with those of serious researchers on the subject of animal behavior in general and cats in particular.

Interesting but some if its views are revolting
I obtained this book as a new paperback for the princely sum of £..., evidently as it was in a reject shop.

I went for this book as a scientific read and it does contain some useful and valuable insights on domestication. However the book fell far short of describing chicken, dog and cat domestication which is the sort of stuff on which I wanted to find out. The one point I liked was a bit for my study on squirrels, that squirrels invented farming first or words to that effect - at least in mammals. The book then descends to a ramble about why you have to be cruel to be kind.

Though I could see some valid points against animal rightists he then took it to extremes. "Every boy has not lived who has not pulled a trigger" I paraphrase. What nonsense. I delight at the time I pointed a gun at an eagle and then paused and did not shoot. I delight I never shot any birds though I wanted to. ... We can't afford to lose and abuse wild animals, let alone how we treat domestics at times.

Nonsense and non-science!!
Or perhaps I should have said Nazi-science. Extremist Budiansky seems to have picked up where the likes of the Nazi-mentality left off. This absurd diatrbe should certainly not be listed amongst any legitimate science writings as it has nothing to do with real science, but rather, the author attempts to pass off his hateful agenda of others, as science; nonsense. Do yourself a favor---save your hard-earned money, you certainly won't be missing anything with this one....except precious time.

Strong bias obscures facts
Budiansky tries to make a clear point about domestication: it is a matter of human/nonhuman symbiosis. Some of this thesis is interesting, and Budiansky makes it clear and readable. His argumentation relies on the fact that some species resist domestication attempts while others are easily tamed, and the fact that domesticated animals develop cartain features which make them even more easily tamable. So far so good. The problem starts when Budiansky claims that this is all domestication is about. Force and one sided exploitation are forgotten or simply ignored. But this is far from all: the symbiosis model might sound reasonable for the beginning of domestication (and as one side of the story as well), but in later developments it becomes unimportant, and when industialized agriculture appears, the whole approach becomes irrelevant. Budiansky fails to apprehend that. But the book has even more embarrasing aspects. Budiansky is an enthusiastic anti-animal-rightist, and the urge to prove right pushes him into a way of handling facts which is very loose, to say the least. And above all, he tries to present ethical arguments for modern farming methods - which amount to, well, nothing (farmers have real connection with nature, so they know the big truths which city dwellers never know...) In short, it's a book that could have some potential as a humble article, after some heavy editing. But as it is, its only value is as an example of how ideology works. It might be said, that it is regrettable that Budiansky is such an eloquent writer: that way his ideologically-safe and oversimplifyed ideas might convince some uncritical minds. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Persuasively argues for the concept of animal-human equality
Ably written by United Methodist minister Ernie Bringas, Created Equal: A Case For The Animal-Human Connection persuasively argues for the concept of animal-human equality. For millennia, the majority of human society has regarded animals as inferior, and used this point of view to justify unspeakable cruelty and exploitation. Created Equal explores a different philosophy and path, the better to enlighten ourselves with respect to human/animal relationships and interdependencies, and to make the world a better place for all forms of life sharing Planet Earth. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Common sense welfare beats scientific justification
FIVE, or even six, stars for the argumentation, but I have given four stars only because it will take a fair amount of scientific knowledge and stamina to read. Rollin is well known in the animal welfare field. His argument, developed in repeated minute detail, is that scientists who experiment on animals are so closed off from reality, and have such a vested interest in deluding themselves that animals don't suffer, that they are the only people who can't see the blindingly obvious - that animals feel pain pretty much the same way that we do.

For scientists, and especially anyone dealing with animals in any way, I would consider this book mandatory reading. It counterbalances all the dry science about how animals work with a a good look at how they think.

For non-graduates it's too technical. Words like paradigmatic and ontological come thick and fast. ... Read more

Book Description

"Realise, then," said the hog, "your unfathomableness with everything – your organic unfathomableness." With that, the sty fell silent.

So begins this capering odyssey for hog and human, weaving a way through different dimensions on a mysterious quest. Leading to cell-like empyreans, the enigmatic I'-lak, Consumer Megamagnet, and otherworldly others, the journey could at first seem a wanton jungle of metaphor. Yet as the tale unfolds, readers may be led to 'unfoldings' of their own – to find themselves on a uniquely personal ride at the crux of the universal.

This cosmic Gulliver’s Travels or impish Book of the Dead is funny and unpredictable, with a challenging narrative that supports integral learning. Subtly potent, riddled with reflections of the psychological, quantal and ecological, the book variously explores the dynamics of the 'wirings' under the worldly boards. To the rooter for truth, through whatever domains one might be navigating, the hog may prove itself an invaluable companion.

Ultimately it is up to the reader. Whatever way you take The Hog's Wholey Wash – spoof or multi-level cryptograph; annoyance, bracer or salve – there are always other ways it can be taken.

It's time to find your inner 'trotter' and take a journey through the known and unknown… ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Challenging but worthwhile!
The "Hog" is a timely, lighthearted prod in a serious direction. Spiritual issues and dimensions are explored within the context of the present age with prophetic emphasis on the "end times".
The Hog takes us on a metaphorical, allegorical and literal journey of discovery. Its playfulness is counterbalanced by brain stretching linguistic convolutions, twisting the mind into new unfamiliar patterns or painful contortions, depending on how you experience it. It seems to depend on the time of day!
Challenging is a word that could be used here, but a worthwhile one that draws our attention to the looming crisis awaiting us on this path of self destruction - or is that transformation? In any case, the Hog is a colourful jaunt into other dimensions, giving us a sense that they really are just around the corner.

A rich and unique experience
Many smiles and appreciations as I read this book. The language was so concentrated that I could only really take in some of it on first read, but I was left with a sense of multi-layered interpenetrations of creative unfolding, a new opening to possible worlds and realities, and a perspective of the small but irreplaceable part our world and lives play in the web of connection of all beings.

Pearls
"The Hog's Wholey Wash" warrants top marks, to my mind. It somehow persuaded me (irritating me, mostly) to make an effort of a kind I would rarely trouble with in reading a fictional text. Without this effort, I'm sure I would have been disappointed by the book. To anyone who would read without working with it, wise to think of it as having minimum recommendation.

Initially intrigued through its debated relation to the work of G I Gurdjieff, I did a good deal of bemused reading of it till something unexpectedly clicked; Blake's "infinity in a grain of sand" for some reason lodged firmly in my mind, not to be shaken off. The "Wholey Wash" subsequently 'stuck' and 'grew' in a way it simply had not before. If I found I ended up with a pearl of great price, it ultimately seems a thing as much of my own making as that of the author/ his influences (Sufism? Vedanta? Holography?)/ his interpreters, critics /others.

But what to cast? Could we perceive 'infinity in hogwash' ?!

This book certainly helped/forced me to better grasp how I can find unexpected windows on different realities - realities of my own psyche and its milieux. The reading of it did work for me (at a literary level, not unpainfully) as both eye-opener and feeling-opener. From my own experience with it, I can say it can serve as a wonderful little 'Working Person's Manual' on getting to grips with our worlds, perceptions, our more untamed intimations as well as everyday senses.

Having gone through a wide range of reactions and cross-referencing with this book, I should highlight its sneaking webs of allusion to the follies of cynicism and obsession - and alternatives of living Work.

More than hogwash
A unique book; entertaining, funny, puzzling, but what does it all mean? Perhaps there are no easy answers. If you're prepared to do your share of the work, this book will take you on a fascinating spiritual journey. It's compelling on the first read - but more enjoyable each time you return to it, because that's when the different layers of this multi-faceted tale really present themselves.

Hogging the Starlight
Plutarch argues in a dialogue in "Moralia" that animals are able to reason, including pigs. Malcolm Mitchell would agree. He has devoted a slim book of voyage and meditation to the theme of wise and stupid animal beings. It is called "The Hog's Wholey Wash" (the quote marks are part of the full title). The long title says it all: "A Complete Allegorical Manual on Consciousness & Cosmos, with Vindication Sublime of that Most Maligned Terrestrial Species or `The Hog's Wholey Wash.'"
* The book is the ideal bedside companion, being written in short, four-page sections. It is also the perfect gift for the jaded friend who has read everything. (Mind you, the tastes of the friend have to be really jaded, for the language here is "superswineishly" slipper and sly, Joycean, Gurdjieffian, neologismically inventive. There is a lot of humour here amid the "higher" wisdom. One never knows what the next sentence will bring.
* The way Virgil led Dante through a hierarchy of worlds, the "Pig-Being" leads us through all the worlds that are, instructding us along the way. Here is one pig that is garrulous, but no boar, being closer to Plutarch's philosopher than it is to the sty-variety. In fact, Malcolm Mitchell's pig is in a class by itself, the dispenser of unlikely wisdom to the animal nature that hogs the limelight. ... Read more

Book Description

How much do animals matter--morally? Can we keep considering them as second class beings, to be used merely for our benefit? Or, should we offer them some form of moral egalitarianism? Inserting itself into the passionate debate over animal rights, this fascinating, provocative work by renowned scholar Paola Cavalieri advances a radical proposal: that we extend basic human rights to the nonhuman animals we currently treat as 'things.' Cavalieri first goes back in time, tracing the roots of the debate from the 1970s, then explores not only the ethical but also the scientific viewpoints, examining the debate's precedents in mainstream Western philosophy. She considers the main proposals of reform that recently have been advanced within the framework of today's prevailing ethical perspectives. Are these proposals satisfying? Cavalieri says no, claiming that it is necessary to go beyond the traditional opposition between utilitarianism and Kantianism and focus on the question of fundamental moral protection. In the case of human beings, such protection is granted within the widely shared moral doctrine of universal human rights' theory. Cavalieri argues that if we examine closely this theory, we will discover that its very logic extends to nonhuman animals as beings who are owed basic moral and legal rights and that, as a result, human rights are not human after all. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Why nonhuman animals deserve human rights
Why Nonhuman Animals Deserve Human Rights

Nonhuman animals have been an issue being discussed in philosophical debates in recent years. The question that is often asked is " is it right to treat nonhuman animals as a means to our ends?" In other words, "is it morally justified to use these animals for food, entertainment, or tools in research? As Cavalieri points out, nonhuman animals deserve the same respect and equality as humans. He argues it is wrong to treat nonhuman animals simply as mere things in which one can do what he/she wants with these innocent creatures. After reading The Animal Question, I believe that the argument for Cavalieri's conclusion is strong.
The overall premises that Cavalieri uses to provide evidence for his conclusion can be summarized as follows:

1. The idea of equality needs to be based on the capacity to feel pain and pleasure, to pursue one's goals, and to enjoy one's life, rather than basing it on one's morals, values, and/or interests because if this change did occur, equality could not continue being effective for homo sapiens specifically. Nonhuman animals would have to be included.

2. Similar situations create different effects for animals than it does for human beings. An example Cavalieri uses is the idea of being captured. If a human is captured during a time of war, we can explain to them that their lives are not being threatened and there is no reason to worry. However, if we take a similar situation, capturing animals that have been free their whole lives, we cannot explain to them that they will not be harmed. Therefore the animals will have a greater feeling of fear than the humans. Nonhuman animals do not understand the difference, therefore making this type of action wrong and unfair.

3. Nonhuman animals should not be made to feel pain and suffer for the good of humans. They should not be thought of as machines in which humans can do with them as they wish.

4. Nonhuman animals are conscious and have desires. Their minds are similar to humans and should be treated in the same ways.

5. The removal of nonhumans from the category of things or items of property is essential to ending the inequality of nonhuman animals.

Cavalieri's argument is an inductively strong one. Because the argument has all true premises, it is also an inductively cogent argument. The argument is complete due to the fact that all relevant evidence is taken into account. Throughout the book, Cavalieri uses others different as well as similar opinions, such as Peter Singers, Harlan B. Miller, and Will Kymlicka, to support good and convincing reasons to support his own premises and conclusion. With all these qualities, it is obvious that he has given a strong, convincing argument.
In conclusion, Cavalieri offers a strong argument for his conclusion. The other people he used throughout the book who often presented different ideas than his own failed to convince me as well as Cavalieri that animals are only here for human conception. Although Cavalieri was difficult to follow in a sense, his basic idea that animals have rights too, was conveyed. Perhaps in our society, animal rights is an issue similar to that of abortion, religion, etc. in that people think that their way of thinking on a certain issue is the only way, and it is often difficult to convince others to adopt a different belief system. Although this causes some distress, I've come to realize that there will probably not be an end to using animals for food, clothing, and entertainment. We (including Cavalieri) that one day we will find out from God if animals were put on earth for that reason. It is wrong to use nonhuman animals as a means to our ends.

despite cute cover, not an ideal introduction to topic
Despite the book's cute cover, for most people this is not an ideal introduction to ethics and animals topics. The problem is that it's just not an ideally clear and straightforward example of philosophical writing. It's not an easy book to read. Perhaps this is because it's in translation, but I think many -- unless they are already skilled in reading philosophy -- will have a real hard time with it. Try DeGrazia's book or the "Magpies, Men and Morals" book for a more accessible introduction. The content of this is good, it's just not as accessible as it should be. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Must-Read For Animal Rights Activists
The compiler of this book is probably great, but the quotes she puts in from people who don't believe in animal rights is mostly bull, and I am sure Janelle is aware of this. I think the sole reason this book exists is because before we go protesting against something, we must know our opponents' point of view, no matter how lame it may seem, or else we will not appear educated. This unique book is a must-have for anyone who tells people about the torture of animals in factory farms, laboratorys, etc. etc. etc. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a book of power tools for animal advocates, earth healers, peace makers, and spiritual seekers.It is all about: freeing chickens from the soup pot; cows from slaughterhouses; wild animals from extinction; primates from labs.Indeed, it is about liberating all animals from bondage to humanity; and, thus, freeing humanity from its bondage to violence.

Veggie Soup for the Chicken's Soul unveils a vision of a better world for animals and people, based on scientific and spiritual discoveries. Studies of the evolution of consciousness and the power of prayer show that we can choose to create a compassionate and loving world where all life is held sacred.Our destiny is to become Homo Ahimsa (Sanskrit for "no harm").This is a guidebook full of miracle making tools.Lighten up your journey with inspiration; meditations; heartfelt stories; over 70 prayers; and solid, fact-based reasons that explain why we human beings must make peace with the animal nations if we are ever to find true inner peace, heal our earth, and create authentic world peace.

The foreword is written by Gene Bauston, MPS, Director of Farm Sanctuary ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It's all one piece
This is a wonderful resource for anyone with the intuition that spirituality is a seamless garment that necessarily respects all life.World peace isn't just the cessation of humans warring against other humans; it's also the end of human deprecations against animals.In this cleverly titled work, Judy McCoy Carman helps us come to a better appreciation of that truth by reminding us in beautiful reflections and heartfelt prayers that all life is sacred.Highly recommended as a book to meditate on.

Reverence for all life
So many of the new age books on spirituality seem to be lacking one important facet -- the inclusion of animals in our reverence for life. How can we consider ourselves compassionate and spiritual, while overlooking the intelligent, social, and meaningful creatures with whom we share this planet.

Judy Carman's dedication to expand the circle of compassion beyond the human sphere is admiriable, respectful, and very much needed.I welcome this type of original thought, and even if you don't consider yourself an animal rights person, this book will be one of those books that you will remember for a long time, and look back, thinking, "Why didn't I realize this before?"

It reminds me of a quote by Anne Sewell, author of Black Beauty: "There is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to beasts as well as man, it is all a sham."

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking spriitual growth, looking for answers to the complexities of our relationships with animals, or wants to unveil a vision for a better world for all of us, human and non-human alike. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Losing Paradise: The Growing Threat to Animals Our Environme
This is a recent publication by Paul Erwin, President and CEO of the Nation's largest animal protection organization, the Humane Society of the United States, with seven million members. Mr. Irwin has written a landmark book for the layman and clearly presents irrefutable evidence that humankind is on a reckless collision course with the Earth. He presents an alarming and compelling look at how critical the situation is today for our resources, our endangered wildlife, and for human life itself. Never in the history of our planet is it more important for the information in this book to reach millions of readers. It would behoove all of humanity, from housewives to board members of mega international corporations, to heed these warnings.

In Losing Paradise the author paints a shocking picture of the degree to which greed and recklessness have already devastated this planet. My feeling while reading this book was that it is becoming not so much a struggle to save paradise, but to salvage the wasteland we have created of that paradise. As a single example, the clearcutting of ancient forests all over the world is threatening to wipe out future medicines before scientists are given the opportunity to harvest the plant specimens. These magnificent rainforests are being destroyed with total abandon along with possible cures for cancer or other incurable diseases of mankind.

However, the author also offers the hope of solutions and simple and effective steps that can and must be taken if life as we know it can continue on this planet.

I would strongly urge anyone interested in the environment, in the future, and in the future for their children and their progeny to read this compelling book on the dire threats to our earth and all living things on it. ... Read more

Book Description

Animals other than humans think and feel. Animals are keenly aware of what is happening to them. We can ignore these insights and their plight and continue to eat, wear and experiment upon other species. Or we can give non-humans a moral and legal stature equal to their true nature - and equivalent to ourselves. Seth Feldman presents voices from both sides of a rapidly fading human/animal divide. ... Read more