Respecting Animals: A Balanced Approach to Our Relationship with Pets, Food, and Wildlife

by David S. Favre

A legal scholar and animal-rights expert argues for a practical approach to using animals respectfully.In this fresh approach to the animal rights debate, a legal scholar and expert on the humane treatment of animals argues for a middle ground between the extreme positions that often receive the most public attention. Professor Favre advocates an ethic of respectful use of animals, which finds it acceptable for humans to use animals within limited boundaries. He looks at various communities where humans and animals homes, entertainment, commercial farms, local wildlife, and global wildlife.Balancing the interests of the animal against the interests of the human actor is considered in detail. The author examines the following questions, among Is it ethically acceptable to shoot your neighbor's dog for barking hours on end? Is it ethical for a zoo to keep a chimpanzee in an exhibit? Is it ethical to eat the meat of an animal? Finally, he discusses how good ethical outcomes can best be transported into the legal system. The author suggests the creation of a new legal category, living property, which would enhance the status of animals in the legal system.This thoughtful, well-argued, and elegantly written book provides readers with a comprehensive and practical context in which to consider their personal and social relationships with animals.

Genres: Animals

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2018

Reviews

[William Nist · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much needed "via Media" on the issue of animal rights. While rejecting the position of organizations like PETA, the author argues for "respectful use' of all living beings which of course include animal-hood. He looks at companion animals, food source animals and wildlife animals and analyses our ethical stance toward each of these communities.

I like both the tone and the content of this work. It strikes me an excellent start in thinking about our ethical and legal relationship to animals. It is sensible, reasonable, refreshing and complete in its treatment of this issue.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like I’m in close agreement with author’s views, but the book did not provide enough content to help when engaged in discussion and was only engaging when he spoke about specific animal situations (such as his “conversation”’with a ram).

[sunnyhanyi · Rating 3 out of 5]

a pretty interesting read (although dry. I prefer fiction for its entertainment value lol). broad categories discussed include companion animals, agricultural stock and wildlife. the classifications of ethical subjects and actors that were introduced clearly articulated the need for respect and ethical behaviour towards animals.

however, i would have preferred less répétition of points e. g. the part about how animals that fall under different categories should be viewed and thus treated differently

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Author gives you a very sensible look at how we might make traction in animal welfare.