Animal Rights

The Opposing Viewpoints series is a good series for students and others who are working on some of the hot button issues of today. Each volume contains essays and articles that explore the issues thoroughly from several different angles. Sometimes there are two clear sides, but sometimes it is a bit more nuanced. This particular volume deals with Animal Rights. The issues explored within the volume include the pros and cons of whether or not animals even have rights as we come to think of them in human and legal terms. The issue of use of animals for food is explored, and the issue of animal experimentation in various settings is covered in sometimes, always and never contexts. Finally, the issues of hunting, conservation and zoos are looked at from several angles. Overall, this is a very good beginners book to the issue. It helps to set the guidelines for debate and discussion. There is an appendix with facts about animal rights, related documents, as well as suggestions for further reading. The author, Jennifer Hurley, teaches and writes, having received a master's degree from Boston University.