Well-rounded, non-ideological, and cosmopolitan introduction to the animal rights movement, its philosophy, law, public policy, scientific and religious views, and major thinkers
Chronology of major events in animal rights movement
Ends with consideration of the role of individuals, corporations, non-profits and governments in deciding the future of animal rights
Looks at movements, public policy and legislation in the United States, Europe and Asia

In this compelling volume in the What Everyone Needs to Know series, Paul Waldau expertly navigates the many heated debates surrounding the complex and controversial animal rights movement.
Organized around a series of probing questions, this timely resource offers the most complete, even-handed survey of the animal rights movement available. The book covers the full spectrum of issues, beginning with a clear, highly instructive definition of animal rights. Waldau looks at the different concerns surrounding companion animals, wild animals, research animals, work animals, and animals used for food, provides a no-nonsense assessment of the treatment of animals, and addresses the philosophical and legal arguments that form the basis of animal rights. Along the way, readers will gain insight into the history of animal protection-as well as the political and social realities facing animals today-and become familiar with a range of hot-button topics, from animal cognition and autonomy, to attempts to balance animal cruelty versus utility. Chronicled here are many key figures and organizations responsible for moving the animal rights movement forward, as well as legislation and public policy that have been carried out around the world in the name of animal rights and animal protection. The final chapter of this indispensable volume looks ahead to the future of animal rights, and delivers an animal protection mandate for citizens, scientists, governments, and other stakeholders.
With its multidisciplinary, non-ideological focus and all-inclusive coverage, Animal Rights represents the definitive survey of the animal rights movement-one that will engage every reader and student of animal rights, animal law, and environmental ethics.

Paul Waldau is a scholar working at the intersection of animal studies, ethics, religion, law and cultural studies. He has served multiple times as the Bob Barker Lecturer on Animal Law at Harvard Law School, directed animal law reading groups at Yale Law School, and was the Director of Tufts University`s Center for Animals and Public Policy from 2004 through 2008.