Awareness of the use of animals in human society in fields such as farming, biotechnology and sport is dogged by the lack of a clear and objective exposition of the issues involved and a sense of possible conflict between human and animal welfare. This text addresses these dilemmas - what is the actual scale of the animal welfare problem; where does responsibility begin; what positive steps are actually being taken to alleviate animal suffering; and can a rational and compelling argument be given for the importance of animal welfare. It therefore aims to offer a comprehensive guide to the uninformed as well as those who have knowledge of the issues but lack conviction.

About the Author
Sir Colin Spedding has worked in the area of animal welfare for over 30 years, including 10 years as Chairman of the Farm Animal Welfare Council. He is Currently Emeritus Professor at the University of Reading and Deputy Chairman of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals.

Reviews

'Colin Spedding's timely book ... succeeds by addressing every issue confronting animal welfarists objectively, scientifically and above all compassionately. This book will be a major contributor to the present and future work of all those committed to improving the welfare of every individual animal'
Peter Davies, Director General, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

'In a field where argument is often typified more by emotion than hard facts, this logical analysis provides a superb structure for reaching sound and reliable conclusions. Furthermore, Sir Colin has looked into the future and gives us all an insight into the sorts of welfare issues that we may well be confronting in years to come'
Judy MacArthur Clark, Chairman, Farm Animal Welfare Council

'I think it is brilliant, and had I Colin Spedding's experience and encyclopedic knowledge, I would have been proud to be the author. The book is thoughtful, well-informed, carefully constructed and erudite: it is sure to become a standard text'
Harry V Thompson, Emeritus President, Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

'He gives... an objective account of the injustices and suffering meted out to animal by humans around the world and also tries to find possible explanations and solutions for it.'
The Times Weekend, Sept 2000

'Far-ranging and engrossing..it takes courage and fortitude to write a book which faces up to animal cruelty worldwide...this is an inportant book.'
Farm and Food News, Quqker Concern for Animals, 2001.

'The style is direct, well-informed and...is seasoned with flashes of humour.'
Brian J. Ford, Bookshelf, 2001.

Book Information
ISBN 9781853836725
Author Sir Colin Spedding
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Earthscan Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 310g