A compelling argument that the time has come to use what we know about the fascinating and diverse inner lives of other animals on their behalf Every day we are learning new and surprising facts about just how intelligent and emotional animals are—did you know rats like to play and laugh, and also display empathy, and the ears and noses of cows tell us how they’re feeling? At times, we humans translate that knowledge into compassion for other animals; think of the public outcry against the fates of Cecil the lion or the captive gorilla Harambe. But on the whole, our growing understanding of what animals feel is not resulting in more respectful treatment of them. Renowned animal-behavior expert Marc Bekoff and leading bioethicist Jessica Pierce explore the real-world experiences of five categories of animals, beginning with those who suffer the greatest deprivations of freedoms and choice—chickens, pigs, and cows in industrial food systems—as well as animals used in testing and research, including mice, rats, cats, dogs, and chimpanzees. Next, Bekoff and Pierce consider animals for whom losses of freedoms are more ambiguous and controversial, namely, individuals held in zoos and aquaria and those kept as companions. Finally, they reveal the unexpected ways in which the freedoms of animals in the wild are constrained by human activities and argue for a more compassionate approach to conservation. In each case, scientific studies combine with stories of individual animals to bring readers face-to-face with the wonder of our fellow beings, as well as the suffering they endure and the major paradigm shift that is needed to truly ensure their well-being. The Animals’ Agenda will educate and inspire people to rethink how we affect other animals, and how we can evolve toward more peaceful and less violent ways of interacting with our animal kin in an increasingly human-dominated world. “Bekoff and Pierce want to create a shift in the human-animal relationship, and those that are ready to do so will want to read this book.” — Library Journal “Through meticulous research and with a rational and reasoned approach, prolific animal rights advocate Bekoff ( Rewilding Our Hearts , 2014) and colleague Pierce advocate for violence-free, more compassionate, and harmonious relations between humans and animals in all situations.” — Booklist “[The book] makes for a thought-provoking read, one that will force you to re-evaluate many of the assumptions you may hold about animals, animal behavior, and animal well-being in our present era.” — Speak for the Animals “The call for a science of animal well-being is not only much needed but also long overdue.” —Kim Stallwood, author, Growl: Life Lessons, Hard Truths, and Bold Strategies from an Animal Advocate “My eyes have been opened as never before, and if we long, as I hope we do, for a more balanced and kinder world, welcome this book, as I do, with open arms, minds, and heart.” —Virginia McKenna, Founder and Trustee, The Born Free Foundation “An increasing number of compassionate people care deeply about animals. But there are not yet enough of us. We need to change the way the world is run, so that all creatures can enjoy their lives and bring up their offspring without interference. Education is the key; that’s why everyone should read The Animals’ Agenda . This book will change hearts and minds.” —Brian May, CBE, founding member of Queen and founder of the Save Me Trust “Bekoff and Pierce are informed, concerned, and provocative thinkers. Their information is solid; their plea is ethical. If you’re not there with them when you open the book, their research and logic will give you a lot to think about. If you are already in philosophical agreement, your arguments will be more informed than ever by their richly built book.” —Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel “ The Animals’ Agenda is a bold and important book that everyone should read, argue over, and think about deeply. Not only does this book expose the obscene abuses of factory farms and lab animals, but it tackles deeper, harder, more complex questions as well. Should humans eat animals at all? Do we have the right to confine animals in zoos or aquariums? Is it morally defensible to let our cats roam free, where they will kill native wildlife, or to frustrate their hunting drive by restricting their freedom? People who love animals may come to different conclusions—but these are questions we should be discussing and debating if ever we are to evolve past the human-centered Anthropocene. The Animals’ Agenda brings us closer to the day when our behavior toward our fellow species is determined not by convenience or greed but by compassion.” —Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus and The Good Good Pig “This wonderful and inspiring book reminds us in particular that we should treat wild animals as our co-citizens on this planet and treat them with respect and p