Slaughter the Animals, Poison the Earth

by Jack Olsen

Octavo, Hardcover, Blue Cloth, , PP.287,

Genres: Nonfiction

287 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Andrew Jump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enlightening albeit (mildly) outdated exposé on predator management practices in shepherding. Many of the poisoning practices outlined in this book, from what I could gather from some brief research, appear to shockingly still be in use today, although thankfully in a more regulated and conservative manner. Easy to read and get invested in, but equally frustrating and depressing at many points. A brilliant book regardless and an easy way to radicalize yourself on the importance of ecological education, governmental corruption, and more.

I also think there could be something to be said about the attitudes towards coyotes on display here and their similarities to the way we see communities in America today being marginalized and disregarded, but I am not clever or woke enough to make a coherent statement about it.

[Casimir Laski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aptly and evocatively titled, Jack Olsen’s shocking and often infuriating 1971 exposé documented the grotesque excesses, mismanagement, and corruption surrounding the numerous federal, state and local predator control programs in the western United States established after the Second World War, and challenged the misinformed and misguided attitudes prevalent in the sheep industry. [9/10]

[Tom Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why the intro here extolls this a "historical novel", it is plainly a nonfiction account of the excessive use of the The M44 cyanide device (also a 'coyote-getter', 'cyanide gun' or a 'cyanide trap') used for the elimination of coyotes blamed for the loss of profits. It lures predators with an attractive smell, often from a small piece of bait, then uses a spring to propel a dosage of sodium cyanide into the predator's mouth. The sodium cyanide combines with water in the mouth to produce poisonous cyanide gas.

This work documents the manipulations of disingenuous sheep herders to over-report such loss and harangue a spineless Fish & Wildlife agency to over-use of this poisoning device. Here is a litany of unintended victims, including people, pets and endangered species. This is an important message and something to confront and something within the greater subject of agricultural subsidies (should dairies be reimbursed for soured milk?) for us as a society to consider carefully.

A poor narrator and frequent re-reads detract from this audiobook.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

the man is a radical environmentalist, and some of the issues at hand here are outdated, but still a good read.