Through the use of primary source documents, readers can learn about key opinions and legislation in the important field of animal rights and welfare-a current and highly relevant topic.

Animal Rights and Welfare: A Documentary and Reference Guide addresses a broad range of key topics within the subject of animal rights and welfare, including zoos, animal testing, philosophy regarding the treatment of animals, and practical measures instituted to protect animals, supplying readers with an impartial and authoritative resource for understanding the history of animal rights and the issues that dominate discussions about animal rights. Organized chronologically, the book discusses topics such as animal rights within the context of hunting for food, pelts, and other body parts, as well as for recreation; working animals; animals used for education or scientific and medical research; animals in the fashion and entertainment industries; and the food industry.

The text provides reproductions of dozens of carefully selected primary documents from the time of Aristotle (B.C.) to present day to engage readers and provide opportunities for them to apply their critical thinking and analysis skills. The text of each document is introduced by a headnote to place it in context and concludes with analysis that details its significance and clarifies specific passages when needed. Each document or excerpt is followed by a full citation of the document.

Provides extensive coverage of a variety of topics, ranging from historic events and information to the latest developments in the field of animal rights and welfare

Presents an impartial, balanced representation of various political/moral perspectives on the issues in animals rights and welfare

Offers primary source material-such as the Wild Horse Annie Act of 1959-that enables readers to review the exact text of important legislation

Gives readers the resources to draw their own informed conclusions by providing opposing perspectives on often-polarizing animal rights and welfare issues, such as the morality of using animals for industrial and medical research, restoring wolves to former hunting grounds, and keeping highly intelligent dolphins and Orcas in captivity

Includes supplemental material that provides additional context