A Compassionate History of American Attitudes Toward Animals

"The authors highlight that our current abhorrence of cruelty and bloodsport, fascination with animals in entertainment, and limited acknowledgment of livestock suffering were shaped during the late nineteenth century."

"The book emphasizes that while pets are increasingly viewed as family members, the suffering of other species is frequently ignored, raising questions about our moral responsibilities."

The book 'Our Kindred Creatures' explores the historical evolution of human attitudes towards animals, emphasizing the moral transition in perceptions. It discusses how pets have become family members while the suffering of other species is often overlooked. The authors, Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy, reveal that many contemporary attitudes towards animals were shaped in the late nineteenth century, including concerns about cruelty, entertainment, livestock treatment, wildlife extinction, and the complexities of animal research.

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