Fraser (animal welfare, U. of British Columbia) gives students and professionals a solid background in the contexts of animal welfare and methods of study. He covers the moral concerns of the treatment of animals, the role of animals and the human mind, the definition of a good life for animals, and the growth of the idea of there being a science of animal welfare. He discusses disease, injury, production, stress, abnormal behavior, affective states, "natural" living, and animals' preferences and motivations. He also examines how different measures relate to each other in study, the process of selecting and combining criteria of animal welfare, and questions of how values and mandated science relate to animal welfare. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
"This is a delightful book, full of interesting aspects of animal welfare. An excellent guide to the academic study of animal welfare science."
Marian Stamp Dawkins, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
Understanding Animal Welfare: The Science in its Cultural Context takes a completely fresh and thought-provoking approach. It is essential reading for anyone interested, studying or currently working in the fascinating field of animal welfare science. David Fraser places modern-day welfare issues within their historical framework by tracing the evolving ideas that led to current thinking. He also highlights some intriguing issues relating to the contradiction inherent in the term 'animal welfare science' and the practical problem of how to assess emotional states in animals.
Special features:
* Encompasses ideas from a variety of disciplines to give a broad perspective of the topic.
* Discusses methods of measuring animal welfare and their strengths and limitations.
* Examines contemporary debates and applications of the science to policy issues.
About the author:
David Fraser is one of the pioneers of animal welfare science. He has published widely on animal welfare research, its practical applications, and its philosophical basis. He is currently Professor and NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Animal Welfare at the University of British Columbia, Canada, and serves as an advisor to many international organizations.
"... an impressive historical narrative of the genesis and growth of animal welfare as a scientific discipline. ... The book will be invaluable for anyone involved with animal welfare issues on an academic level or those involved with the integration of these principles into current care and handling issues facing agriculture, companion, laboratory, wild, or zoo animals."
Carolyn L. Stull, PhD, Veterinary Medicine Extension,
School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
"Fraser offers insights only possible from someone with his considerable experience and understanding."
Dr. Chris Sherwin, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol
