From the [author's website][1]: "In this compelling volume in the What Everyone Needs to Know series, Paul Waldau expertly navigates the many heated debates surrounding the complex and controversial animal rights movement. Organized around a series of probing questions, this timely resource offers the most complete, even-handed survey of the animal rights movement available. The book covers the full spectrum of issues, beginning with a clear, highly instructive definition of animal rights. Waldau looks at the different concerns surrounding companion animals, research animals, work animals, and animals used for food, provides a no-nonsense assessment of the treatment of animals, and addresses the philosophical and legal arguments that form the basis of animal rights. Along the way, readers will gain insight into the history of animal protection--as well as the political and social realities facing animals today--and become familiar with a range of hot-button topics, from animal cognizance and autonomy, to attempts to balance animal cruelty versus utility. Chronicled here are the key figures and organizations responsible for moving the animal rights movement forward, as well as legislation and public policy that has been carried out in North America, Europe and Asia in the name of animal rights and animal protection. The final chapter of this indispensable volume looks ahead to the future of animal rights, and delivers an animal protection mandate for citizens, scientists, governments, and other stakeholders. With its multidisciplinary, non-ideological focus and all-inclusive coverage, Animal Rights represents the definitive survey of the animal rights movement--one that will engage every reader and student of animal" [1]: http://www.paulwaldau.com/books.html