On Their Own Terms

Sensing the need for fresh ideas in advocacy, and the importance of making animal-rights theory relevant in a time of biotechnology, rapid extinctions and climate change, On Their Own Terms: Bringing Animal-Rights Philosophy Down to Earth challenges us to think of ourselves and other conscious beings in new ways. This book takes the creative and necessary step of calling for a merging of ecological awareness and animal advocacy. It asks us to imagine and appreciate the dignity of free communities of animals thriving in their habitats. As a society shifts to respect animals on their terms, its judges and lawmakers will stop regarding the environment as props and scenery on the stage of humanity¿s drama. They will begin to take the interests of all its living inhabitants seriously. This work explains why the shift is within humanity¿s reach, and how it will come through an animal-advocacy movement that¿s no longer limited to generating pity for Earth¿s other beings, or looking for ways to show how cruel we are to them, or taking steps to make their controlled lives less stressful. On Their Own Terms is an invitation to a movement that can ensure the triumph of animals¿ natural freedom and power, and a practical handbook for the advocate who takes up the challenge.

Lee Hall has written, taught and worked in the area of human migration and refugee law and the field of animal law, and is Vice President of Legal Affairs for Friends of Animals, whose successes have included a strong record of community-based advocacy, protections for tropical birds, and the complete renovation of a primate refuge. Prior publications by Lee Hall include Dining With Friends: The Art of North American Vegan Cuisine (co-authored with Priscilla Feral) and Capers in the Churchyard: Animal Rights Advocacy in the Age of Terror. Animal advocacy, Lee Hall believes, needs a fresh perspective, and with it, new kinds of communication. On Their Own Terms offers a fresh take on animal rights, and a blueprint for effective advocacy.