For the Love Of Animals: The Rise of the Animal Protection Movement

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Most people seem to agree that on some level, animal abuse is wrong. Whether this judgment is applied equally across species, however, is another matter. One hardly has to look further for modern examples of animal rights cognitive dissonance than the public outcry against Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring. Overwhelmingly, the people most outraged are those who also continue to support factory farm systems that abuse cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and countless other animals in the name of convenient clothing, beauty products, and meals.

Regardless of how you justify these contradictions—whether or not you participate in the paradox—a book like Kathryn Shevelow’s For the Love of Animals puts the history behind animal rights into perspective. Using her training as a historian, Shevelow begins in seventeenth century England and teases out the nuances of the last few centuries of animal abuse and animal activism. While you may learn a lot of trivia—that, for instance, the word “vivisection” was first recognized in the 1707 Oxford English Dictionary—the content is by no means trivial.

Throughout Shevelow’s comprehensive account, early animal activists like Margaret Cavendish and Richard “Humanity Dick” Martin are introduced and colorful scenes of early London marketplaces are depicted. Like many accounts of gradual revolution, much of Shevelow’s narrative takes place in the streets, where animals were bought, sold, and beaten. Along the way, as animal cruelty in public ran parallel to the rise of domesticated pets, animals were recognized in humanistic ways. Animal performers—that is, dancing dogs and drum-beating monkeys—served to remind people that all living beings are less removed from one another than we’d like to believe. Animals were taken to court for crimes, and many were found guilty and executed. Even more bewildering, stories of “monstrous births” emerged in the early 1700s. While the obsession of women giving birth to non-human animals eventually died down, even these notably strange events proved that the relationship between animals and humans was becoming inextricably complicated.

Shevelow details the heinous attractions of not-so-distant times: cockthrowing and cockfighting, bullbaiting and bullrunning, dog and horse racing, ratting, and hunting with hounds. Though it’s tough to be objective, I’d like to assume that even the most outspoken, animal-hating carnivore might be disturbed by Shevelow’s descriptions. She also documents that even centuries ago, several prominent observers of animal-based amusements were deeply disturbed by what they witnessed.

She additionally makes mention of many contemporary issues in animal rights activism and vegetarian practice. Citing the story of Dr. George Cheyne, who restored his once doomed health by removing meat from his diet, Shevelow offers historical evidence that plant-based diets can have notable health benefits. There is also mention of religious beliefs that indicate souls moving between species. If you belong to a faith that believes in reincarnation, for instance, you’re less likely to kill animals, lest you become one in a later lifetime.

The book ends with the successful founding of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in the mid-nineteenth century. As a history text, this one is thorough and happily ends on a victorious high note.

On the other hand, analysis of contemporary activism and food justice movements only receives a frustratingly short two-page conclusion and lacks a lot of analysis about the current state of animal cruelty in the Western world. Praising the efforts of typical figureheads Michael Pollan, Peter Singer, and PETA’s Ingrid Newkirk, Shevelow seems convinced that consciousness and change has advanced as it should. Maybe that’s why she’s a historian and I’m not. For me, progress can never come quickly enough.

Written by: Brittany Shoot, December 1st 2009

Protecting Women and Animals

admin — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 18:53:00 +0000

FemFatalities.com

As we enter into a year-and-a-half or so of political mayhem leading up to the Presidential election, we’re sure to hear a lot about top issues pertaining to women voters. Among them: healthcare. And while the issue of animal rights might not be specifically mentioned at the top of the list, it might as well be. After all, animal rights issues have a lot to do with healthcare—more specifically, women’s healthcare.

If you’re not sure about this, take a look at Fem_Fatalities_.com. A very credible, robust, and thorough site dedicated to protecting women and animals. Its content balances integrity with provocation. By that I mean that the editorial is direct and honest, and may be perceived by some as disturbing. Yet with the directness comes a high level of trust—trust that we can handle the truth and would be angered, disappointed even, by anything less.

On the home page, a spotlight on feminist icon Gloria Steinem who recently charged that the National Institute of Health is putting women’s health at risk by wasting tax dollars and conducting cruel and pointless animal testing.

The site also features various stories and investigations related to animal cruelty, campaign updates, ways to get involved, and a list of companies and charities that do and do not test on animals.

Adding to its credibility is the inclusion of high-grade video. Currently airing, a piece on primate torture at Columbia University as well as a PETA piece that is sure to make you think twice about buying certain brands of mascara. Be forewarned and enter these videos at your own risk. They’re not for the faint of heart. Of course, there’s nothing like a healthy dose of reality to affect change, and that is what Fem_Fatalities_.com is counting on.

It’s also counting on one very feminine trait: compassion. I mean, the thought that women were gaining at the expense of animals’ lives is heartbreaking. And, really, could there be anything more paradoxical?

A visit to this site is well worth the look. Not only is it an eye-opening experience, but it’s a way to stretch those feminist muscles, become active and help stop the cruelty.

Written by: Sharon R. Cole, January 20th 2007