Why Do People Harm Animals?

Review By CAROLYN M. MULLIN

Part of the “Exploring Tough Issues” series, Why Do People Harm Animals? is a great introductory look at animal rights issues, organizations striving to protect animals, and a few of the opposition’s arguments.  Topics include animals used as companions, on farms, in circuses and other forms of entertainment, vivisection, and for hunting and fishing purposes. A chapter is also dedicated to exploring how people are able to act cruelly – intentionally or otherwise.

Dotted throughout the text are quotes and real life case studies concerning human-animal interactions, like that of the 2000 South African oil spill or illegal trading of exotic pets. Any burgeoning animal advocate should be well-versed in the arguments of both sides of the AR coin, enabling them to answer difficult questions from their peers, and this book will certainly aid in that pursuit.

FYI, my interest has been piqued (and yours may be too) by another title in the series: Why are People Vegetarian?

Ages 9-12.