For the Prevention of Cruelty: The History and Legacy of Animal Rights Activism in the United States

There has likely never been a time when the words "animal rights activism" have elicited a stronger reaction from both sides of the stockyard fence. But do we ever stop to consider how this movement began? Who were the first proponents? What were their early successes - and failures? Moreover, what can we learn from the past to gain victories for animals today? For the thoughtful insights into these issues and more, treat yourself to Diane Beers' "For the Prevention of Cruelty: The History and Legacy of Animal Rights Activism in the United States." Beers, a professor of history at Holyoke Community College in Massachusetts, has done what a writer within the animal-rights movement probably could not: given us a narrative that is at once a straightforward, authoritative account of the origins of animal rights activism and a compelling critique of the movement's triumphs and missteps from 1866 to 1975. Animal activism, it turns out, is nearly as old as the word "vegetarian." Both sprang from England in the middle of the 19th century - one as a way to better define a culinary choice and the other to defend those caught in the crosshairs of humanity's hunger for scientific advancement, reliable transportation, momentary amusement and animal flesh. Exploring long-forgotten files in dusty broom closets in her pursuit of history, Beers unearths a remarkable story. Some of her discoveries are no surprise, such as that the founders of animal activism were mostly women. Yet others are downright revelatory. Who knew, for example, that activists convinced the Ringling-Barnum and Bailey Circus to stop using animal acts for five years? The author introduces us to many of the compassionate individuals who helped forge the early movement - people like Ella Wilcox Wheeler, Anna Harris Smith and Henry Bergh, whom Beers describes as "the dynamo of American animal advocacy." But it is Caroline Earle White who leaps from the pages as the most inspiring and vocal activist of the 19th century. A passionate crusader, White helped create the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1867 and later founded the Anti-Vivisection Society of America. The ideological struggle between reform and abolition for animals was palpable as activists in the 20th century battled groups formed to promote animal exploitation, confronted the tragic confluence of shelters and medical labs and organized against factory farming. Animal activism has now matured from what detractors once regarded as "a fringe cause dominated by hysterical, primarily female sentimentalists" into a growing concern for millions of ethically minded Americans. If "For the Prevention of Cruelty" were simply a history of animal rights activism, it would be an indispensable work, both for its social commentary and as a chronicle of humane action. But the author takes the subject a step beyond, inviting readers to consider the impact of factions within the movement coming toge

Diane L. Beers puts animal rights and the various movements that delt with and continue to deal with the abuses of animals in historical perspective. Her book is about a movement but also shows how that movement fit into the fabric of American life. Beers clearly shows how animal rights activist changed the morality of America regarding the treatment of Animals. But they did not always speak as one unified group. As evidenced by the national sorrow and concern after the injury and death of Barbaro last year, America has come a long way from the 19th Century when work horse were routinely abused. She shows how the various factions of the movement worked together and sometimes against each other. One of the important aspects of the book is how she demonstrates the ways in which pressure groups have used thier political power to prevent better treatment of animals. This book has a powerful message over and above the important things it says about the history of the animal rights movements. It also shows how public opinion can be changed. It shows the importance of women and their imput into this movement. Unfortunately, it was not until post WWII America that women had positions of power, but it is still important to show how women changed America. With the roots of women's activism in the Abolitionist Movement and thier progression into temperance and peace, middle class white women made significant difference. For the animal rights lover and the the historian, this book makes a major contribution to the literature on this subject. It also provides an important historiography of the subject pointing out what other historians have said. Animal rights have come a long way. Their is still a need to go futher. Many law schools are now teaching classes on Animal Rights. The recent movie about Noah's Ark points out that no animals were abused in the making of that movie. Many products are advertised and free from animal experimentation. Such aspects of current life can all go back to the early movers and shakers in the animal rights movement. We have come a long way, but need to go further to stop dog fighting, dog racing, abuses of animals in slaughter houses and also the slaughter of horses for European markets. This work only takes the reader to 1975. Hopefully Beers will continue to story.

Reading some basic history of animal advocacy, one might be left with the impression that nothing of significance took place before the publication of Animal Liberation in 1975 and the subsequent work of Henry Spira. For The Prevention of Cruelty is a nice counter to those notions and highlights the advocacy prior to the publication of Animal Liberation -- advocacy that started shortly after the Civil War and whose leaders were steeped in the push for abolition, women's suffrage, etc. The book is accessible and fascinating. Being involved in animal advocacy, it's heartening to know how deep our roots are, to see today's advocacy as part of a long-standing tradition, to know what has worked in the past and what has failed. Highly recommended.

I saw Diane speak at a conference and was blown away. When she introduced her book and outlined its contents, I couldn't believe this story hadn't been told before. I can safely say I think this is one of the most important books to be published - not only for the animal protection movement but for all social justice causes. Diane is an eloquent writer (and speaker), creating an interesting narrative that would interest anyone who's ever adopted a dog or a cat, given money to their local SPCA, or who works on behalf of the voiceless. I highly recommend this book!

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an accurate historical document pertaining to the Animal Rights/Animal Welfare movement. I have not found another book like this. Diane Beers has gave fantastic analysis and history for this movement. The book does not take sides. It is a fantastic history and a remarkable tool if one is looking for nonbiased information. She covers a great many groups, important individuals, linkages between various groups. This book has became essential to my research in this area. An added benefit is that she is a remarkable and inciteful writer AND SHE IS INTERESTING. She is a great story teller and that makes this book ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING.