Scully exposes the inconsistency of those who have benevolence for some animals and disregard for others. He writes, "And when we fail to act consistently with our own moral principles, when we profess one thing and do another, we must be willing to call that error by its name. It is hypocrisy." Mr. Scully invites us to examine what is necessity and what is pleasure, and questions how a fur coat status symbol or the taste of a hot dog can be more important than the suffering of an animal. He skillfully convinces us that a circus elephant's lack of sunshine, space and companionship may be trivial to us, but it is everything to the elephant. He points out the absurdity of having laws to protect some animals from cruelty, but not others. He asks whether we are defending principles or pleasures and compels us to rethink our values concerning mercy, compassion and where the value of life comes from. He argues convincingly that animals have value because of who they are, that they are more than property and that their value does not hinge on what we use them for.
I've read many animal rights books and wholeheartedly agree with whoever said that if you read only one book on animal issues, this is the one. It is written, not with anger, but with profound reason that will compel you to re-examine your own values concerning life, mercy and compassion. No matter which side of the fence you are on regarding animal rights, you will appreciate his reasonable approach and take away from this book a new understanding of your true moral concern.
Visit Matthew Scully at http://www.matthewscully.com
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