Should Animals Have Political Rights?

by Alasdair Cochrane

All political communities must make decisions about how to regulate the treatment of animals. Most states currently protect animals through outlawing the infliction of ‘unnecessary suffering’. But do animals’ rights end there?
 
In this book, Alasdair Cochrane argues that states must go much further. Animals have rights to be protected not only from the cruelty of individuals, but also from those structures and institutions which routinely (and, in some cases, necessarily) cause them harm, such as industrialised animal agriculture.  But even that isn’t adequate. In order to ensure that their interests are taken seriously, it is imperative that we represent their interests throughout the political process – they require not only rights to protection, but also to democratic membership. 
 
Cochrane’s important intervention in this controversial debate will be essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of political theory and animal rights.

Genres: Politics

140 pages, Hardcover

Published December 23, 2019

Reviews

[Dayton Martindale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, accessible introduction to the sorts of political rights animals could and should have. He discusses (and endorses) animal welfare laws, constitutional provisions, legal personhood, membership in the political community, and dedicated animal representatives in legislatures. I think he is slightly too quick to dismiss any form of nonhuman *participation* in politics, likely due to his emphasis on state legislatures and judiciaries as the primary site of politics. A vision of multispecies politics beyond the liberal state will have to look elsewhere.

But for how short it is, it’s very well done and a helpful launching pad to thinking about my dissertation.

[Pablo Magaña Fernández · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well-structed and cleary written book. The argument is simple but persuasive. Besides making an important point, the book works well as an introduction to debates in animal ethics - especially discussions approached from the standpoint of political philosophy (i.e. whether animals should be granted citizenship, politically represented, protected by constitutions, secured legal personhood, etc.).

[Mikko Haavisto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting cases, solid argumentation and an important topic. However, this book could have been less repetitive and shorter.

[Gymnorhina Tibicen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the realm of animal political theory! While you may or may not agree with certain of the recommendations Cochrane offers to the key questions that are posed in this field (should animals be legal persons? should animals be given political representation? should animals be granted citizenship?), at the very least this punchy book will engage you with these questions and should have you convinced that how we treat animals is not merely a question of individual, moral choice, but one of societal, political concern.

Also, the book is delightfully readable, and a welcome little antidote to the morass of political cynicism that we may often feel ourselves in: changing the system may be hard, but with hard work, open minds and creative solutions, it can be done.