Animals Matter: A Biologist Explains Why We Should Treat Animals with Compassion and Respect

by Marc Bekoff, Jane Goodall (Foreword)

Nonhuman animals have many of the same feelings we do. They get hurt, they suffer, they are happy, and they take care of each other. Marc Bekoff, a renowned biologist specializing in animal minds and emotions, guides readers from high school age up—including older adults who want a basic introduction to the topic—in looking at scientific research, philosophical ideas, and humane values that argue for the ethical and compassionate treatment of animals. Citing the latest scientific studies and tackling controversies with conviction, he zeroes in on the important questions, inviting reader participation with “thought experiments” and ideas for action. Among the questions

   •  Are some species more valuable or more important than others?
   •  Do some animals feel pain and suffering and not others?
   •  Do animals feel emotions?
   •  Should endangered animals be reintroduced to places where they originally lived?
   •  Should animals be kept in captivity?
   •  Are there alternatives to using animals for food, clothing, cosmetic testing, and dissection in the science classroom?
   •  What can we learn by imagining what it feels like to be a dog or a cat or a mouse or an ant?
   •  What can we do to make a difference in animals’ quality of life?

Bekoff urges us not only to understand and protect animals—especially those whose help we want for our research and other human needs—but to love and respect them as our fellow beings on this planet that we all want to share in peace.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Science, Nature, Biology, Philosophy, Vegan

202 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 2007

About the author

Please see http://www.literati.net/authors/marc-... and you can read my essays for Psychology Today here -- http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/a... --

Reviews

[One · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. Filled with great information that will make the reader really stop and think about how animals are treated and how they should be treated. So much good info and lots of quotes that I had to highlight. One of my favorites is about being honest with children about how animals are treated in our society. The author writes "If we do not tell it like it is, important messages are lost." He provides thought-provoking insight, but also proposes questions that get you thinking. I also loved the foreword, which was by one of my idols, Dr. Jane Goodall. What she opens with is so important. She says "Whether an individual respects, ignores, or harms different kinds of animals depends, to a large extent, on the kind of environment in which the child grew up." Yes! We teach children from a young age whether or not it is okay to harm animals, harm and protect some animals, etc. Good stuff! Should be required reading for every high school student in the country!

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be apart of every school curriculum. I feel so bad for so many years not really knowing or understanding what really goes on. Vegan since 2012 ♥

[Shivam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read. Highlights various issues surrounding animal suffering from both ethics and biology standpoint.
It is an important work as it dives deep into redundancy (and counter productiveness) of animal exploitation for issues which are perceived as beneficial to mankind like animal testing.
This book provides a solid, scientific and informed response debunking common myths around 'science' as a justifier for animal exploitation.
Read this to know who animals are and why they matter.

[Andrea Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and easily digestible, examination of biology and the ethics sourounding non-human animals. Very interesting, engaging, and practical.

I wouldn't give it to kids under 13 unless they are very focused and mature for their age. It is an easy read for adults who are new to philosophy.

[Fabian Mariño · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The greater our ignorance about something, the greater our resistance to change" amazing book for veganism.

[Robin Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish a book such as Animals Matter existed when I was in middle school, or high school, or in college. Although written in a manner that can be understood by a young teenager who enjoys reading, learning and thinking, this compact (about 165 pages) book would be enlightening and literally thought-provoking to any seeker of knowledge and a better world in terms of relating to other beings. Bekoff, an animal behavior researcher, poses open-ended questions, presents a variety of viewpoints with clarity and respect, and encourages readers to think for themselves, to tap into their rational and moral capacities. This is a book that will enlighten mature as well as younger audiences, one that students can enjoy on their own or adults could enjoy in a book club, or parents could read along with their children. Covers a wide range of issues such as animals used in lab and field research, animals raised for food, animals used in entertainment and kept in zoos, animals in the wild and in areas where habitat has been compromised or destroyed. It also contains findings from animal behavior behavior, including some intriguing anecdotes. Introduction by Jane Goodall, the primate researcher and founder of Roots & Shoots, a youth program focused on positive change for the world. Published in 2000; republished 2007.

[Kin Guan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book talks about animal welfare and rights, mainly in the field of research, education and conservation. It doesn't contain much information but poses questions for the readers to think about and reflect.

Although the way of writing looks like preaching to the believers, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to know more the ethics aspect of animal use in research. And ask yourself the questions posed by the book.

[Steve Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where so much progress has been made against unfairness, Bekoff reminds us that humans are not the only persons on the planet. For the sake of all sentient life, this book should be widely read. More comments may be found at: Sects and Violence in the Ancient World.

[Morna Crites-Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book certainly has good information but there's not much in the way of interesting writing. Too pedantic for my taste. Written for a younger audience, but why should they have to suffer through this kind of writing?

[Cory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought there would be more stories about animals helping humans and each other...guess I need to watch Animal Planet for that.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting enough book. It brought up some important topics of animal welfare. The book seemed to be targeted to students.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good explanation of the rights of animals as living beings. Highly recommended.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, changes emotions about animals.

[Emma Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope as many people as possible can read a little from this book and our world will change significantly!

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, but it was full of information that plenty of others unfortunately don't.

[Rosita · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!