The Animals' Agenda Freedom, Compassion, and Coexistence in the Human Age

"Explore the real-world experiences of five categories of animals, beginning with those who suffer the greatest deprivations of freedoms and choice{u2014}chickens, pigs, and cows in industrial food systems{u2014}as well as animals used in testing and research, including mice, rats, cats, dogs, and chimpanzees. Next, Bekoff and Pierce consider animals for whom losses of freedoms are more ambiguous and controversial, namely, individuals held in zoos and aquaria and those kept as companions. Finally, they reveal the unexpected ways in which the freedoms of animals in the wild are constrained by human activities and argue for a more compassionate approach to conservation. In each case, scientific studies combine with stories of individual animals to bring readers face-to-face with the wonder of our fellow beings, as well as the suffering they endure and the major paradigm shift that is needed to truly ensure their well-being" --Inside jacket.