Professor Clive Phillips from The University of Queensland is giving animals a voice in a new book.
Professor Phillips, who works in UQ’s Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, said his book, The Welfare of Animals, challenged society to reflect on its current use of animals.
The book discusses not only the difficulties that animals face, but the possible ways in which the planet can be shared between species by taking the time to think more carefully about the impact of our actions.
Professor Christine Nicol from the University of Bristol said the book held significance for protecting the future welfare of animals.
“The book provides insight into the author’s deep knowledge of the biology and psychology of the animals he is writing about,” Professor Nicol said.
“This book provides readers with a vast array of original material. As such it will form a vitally important resource and text book for students and members of the public with an interest in animals from almost any perspective.
“The importance of this book is that it presents some new ways of thinking about how we can manage problems associated with animal welfare without totally disregarding the feelings of our fellow species, this book matters.”
In the book, Professor Phillips provides real life experiences, investigating animal welfare in a vast range of different situations including the Bedouins’ slaughter of sheep in the desert and livestock being transported from Australia to the Middle East.
“In the course of my work, I have had opportunities to witness animal welfare in many different parts of the world.” Professor Phillips said.
“In the book, I use these experiences to reflect on how we should care for animals, arguing that an improvement of welfare is possible, desirable and in many cases actually happening.”
The Welfare of Animals, which is written for anyone concerned with the welfare of animals, but especially veterinarians, animal owners and animal scientists, can be purchased online.
Media: Professor Phillips (07 5460 1158, 07 3346 9179, 0406 340 133) or Erin Pearl at the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science (07 5460 1229)
