Treatment of animals from a scientific and ethical viewpoint

Bekoff, Marc. Animals Matter.
Shambhala (Random House), 2007. 202p $14.00 978-1-59030-522-5

This title, from the author of “The Emotional Lives of Animals,” examines the treatment of animals from a scientific and ethical viewpoint. Beckoff, who has a PhD in biology, analyzes the scientific research with the philosophical ideas and humane values to present arguments for the ethical treatment of domestic and wild animals. The forward is written by Jane Goodall. Some of the topics include: animal feelings, the difference between animal rights and animal welfare, captivity, and experimentation. Bekoff takes the point of view that animals are sentient and should always be treated humanely.
This is an updated edition of the 2000 copyrighted title “Strolling with Our Kin: Speaking For and Respecting Voiceless Animals” which was printed for children by the American Anti-Vivisection Society. Bekoff has expanded the information to include new research as well as a glossary and an index.
“Animals Matter” is a thoughtful book that would be a very good addition to high school libraries. It will be of interest to animal lovers as well as a good title for research. TW