Description
Companion Animal Ethics explores the important ethical questions and problems that arise as a result of humans keeping animals as companions.
- The first comprehensive book dedicated to ethical and welfare concerns surrounding companion animals
- Scholarly but still written in an accessible and engaging style
- Considers the idea of animal companionship and why it should matter ethically
- Explores problems associated with animals sharing human lifestyles and homes, such as obesity, behavior issues, selective breeding, over-treatment, abandonment, euthanasia and environmental impacts
- Offers insights into practical ways of improving ethical standards relating to animal companions
Table of Contents
Foreword vii
Acknowledgements ix
Introduction 1
1 History of Companion Animals and the Companion Animal Sector 8
2 The Development and Role of the Veterinary and Other Professions in Relation to Companion Animals 24
3 Human Attachment to Companion Animals 41
4 Companion Animal Welfare 58
5 Theories of Companion Animal Ethics 73
6 Breeding and Acquiring Companion Animals 89
7 Selective Breeding 103
8 Feeding and the Problem of Obesity 117
9 Companion Animal Training and Behavioural Problems 132
10 Routine Neutering of Companion Animals 150
11 Performing Convenience Surgery: Tail Docking, Ear Cropping, Debarking and Declawing 169
12 Treating Sick Animals and End-of-Life Issues 186
13 Unwanted and Unowned Companion Animals 201
14 Ethics and Broader Impacts of Companion Animals 217
15 Other Companions 235
16 Companion Animals and the Future 252
Index 269
