Advances in Animal Welfare Science 1986/87

Book excerpt: This third volume of articles dealing with advances in animal welfare science and philosophy covers a wide variety of topics. Major areas of discussion include the ethics and use of animals in biomedical research, farm animal behavior and welfare, and wildlife conservation. Three articles dealing with aspects of equine behavior and welfare cover new ground for this companion species. An in-depth study of the destruction of Latin America's tropical rain forests links the need for conservation and wildlife protection with the devastating impact of the international beef (hamburger) industry, and also highlights serious welfare problems in the husbandry of cattle in the tropics. Papers from a recent symposium at Moorhead State University, Animals and Humans: Ethical Perspectives have been included in this volume. Many of these are "benchmark" papers presenting the most up-to-date and documented evidence in support of animal welfare and rights. Articles oppos ing these position papers are included since they were part of the symposium, and because they provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the arguments given in support of various forms of animal exploitation. While there is no intent to endorse these views by publishing them, it should be acknowledged that without an open and scholarly exchange of opposing of constructive exchange and conflict resolution will views, the possibility remain remote.