The Animal Manifesto : Six Reasons for Expanding Our Compassion Footprint

## From Publishers Weekly A collaborator with legendary primatologist Jane Goodall and the 2000 winner of the Exemplar Award from the Animal Behavior Society, author and Colorado University professor Bekoff (The Emotional Lives of Animals) lays out the "unique responsibilities" of human beings, as "moral agents," to overcome speciesism and recognize animals "as fellow sentient, emotional beings," with all the attendant rights that implies. Taking examples from everyday life-from rodeos and circuses to word-processors that replace "who" with "that" when referring to animals-Bekoff illustrates the lengths to which humans go to convince themselves animals don't think, feel, and suffer like we do. Concerning a topic of growing popularity, Bekoff's arguments can be less than rigorous; an "unwavering optimist and dreamer," he focuses more on anecdotes and emotions ("alienation from nature... kills our hearts") than practicalities or a concrete agenda. Instead, Bekoff encourages readers to start simply, by being "mindful" in their interactions with animals. Addressing a weighty issue with gentle but insistent charm, Bekoff's manifesto will nudge skeptics in the direction of enlightenment (assuming anyone but the choir is buying copies). Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. ## From Following the premises that animals both feel and convey emotion, are capable of actions that are motivated by compassion, and exhibit attitudes of kindness and empathy, preeminent ethologist and prolific author Bekoff comprehensively posits that the time has come for humans to return the favor. Just as environmental activists advocate reducing ones carbon footprint in order to live more responsibly, Bekoff argues that expanding ones compassion footprint, that is, treating animals more humanely, can have equally beneficial consequences. Supporting current scientific research with a wide range of anecdotal evidence, Bekoff outlines six guiding principles designed to increase awareness of the deplorable conditions animals experience across a broad spectrum of activities. From food production to circus acts, drug testing to wildlife encroachment, animals have long been considered objects to be manipulated for the express pleasure and benefit of humans. Unabashedly speaking on their behalf, Bekoff presents impassioned reasons why, and explicit ways in which, such destructive behaviors should stop. --Carol Haggas

in This Inspirational Call To Action, Marc Bekoff, The World’s Leading Expert On Animal Emotions, Gently Shows That Improving Our Treatment Of Animals Is A Matter Of Rethinking Our Many Daily Decisions And “expanding Our Compassion Footprint.” He Demonstrates That Animals Experience A Rich Range Of Emotions, Including Empathy And Compassion, And That They Clearly Know Right From Wrong. Driven By Moral Imperatives And Pressing Environmental Realities, Bekoff Offers Six Compelling Reasons For Changing The Way We Treat Animals — Whether They’re In Factory Farms, Labs, Circuses, Or Our Vanishing Wilderness. The Result Is A Well-researched, Informative Guide That Will Change Animal And Human Lives For The Better.

publishers Weekly

a Collaborator With Legendary Primatologist Jane Goodall And The 2000 Winner Of The Exemplar Award From The Animal Behavior Society, Author And Colorado University Professor Bekoff (the Emotional Lives Of Animals) Lays Out The Unique Responsibilities Of Human Beings, As Moral Agents, To Overcome Speciesism And Recognize Animals As Fellow Sentient, Emotional Beings, With All The Attendant Rights That Implies. Taking Examples From Everyday Life-from Rodeos And Circuses To Word-processors That Replace Who With That When Referring To Animals-bekoff Illustrates The Lengths To Which Humans Go To Convince Themselves Animals Don't Think, Feel, And Suffer Like We Do. Concerning A Topic Of Growing Popularity, Bekoff's Arguments Can Be Less Than Rigorous; An Unwavering Optimist And Dreamer, He Focuses More On Anecdotes And Emotions (alienation From Nature... Kills Our Hearts) Than Practicalities Or A Concrete Agenda. Instead, Bekoff Encourages Readers To Start Simply, By Being Mindful In Their Interactions With Animals. Addressing A Weighty Issue With Gentle But Insistent Charm, Bekoff's Manifesto Will Nudge Skeptics In The Direction Of Enlightenment (assuming Anyone But The Choir Is Buying Copies).
copyright © Reed Business Information, A Division Of Reed Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Our common bonds of compassion All animals share the earth and we must coexist Animals think and feel Animals have and deserve compassion Connection breeds caring, Alienation breeds disrespect Our world is not compassionate to animals Acting compassionately helps all beings and our world. The world's leading expert on animal emotions shows that improving our treatment of animals--whether they're in factory farms, labs, circuses, or our vanishing wilderness--is a matter of rethinking our many daily decisions and "expanding our compassion footprint".--back cover