"Read on. You will remember this book." -Clayton C. Ruby, from the Foreword.
Animals and the Law examines the unique role that animals play as living property in a legal system conceived by and for human beings. On the one hand, animals are things that we buy, eat, and use in experiments. On the other, they are beloved family companions. The book traces the history of laws dealing with animals, from the animal trials which began in the thirteenth century in Europe, through the development of anti-cruelty laws, to the present struggle to cope with the conflicting implications of biotechnology and other industrial uses for animals, and, indeed, artificially created living things. Throughout, the book critically evaluates the present legal status of animals and asks us to consider whether animals should be viewed as objects, as legal subjects, as legal persons, or as something else entirely.
Summary Table of Contents
Foreword by Clayton C. Ruby
Acknowledgments
Introduction
PART I: What is an Animal?
Chapter 1: The History of Western Ideas about Animals
Chapter 2: Current Ideas: From Science to Philosophy to Law
PART II : Legal Landscape
Chapter 3: Federal Anti-cruelty Laws
Chapter 4: Provincial Animal Welfare Legislation
PART III : Specific Uses of Animal Things
Chapter 5: Companions
Chapter 6: Food
Chapter 7: Research Tools
Chapter 8: Beasts
Closing Thoughts
Glossary
Table of Cases
Index