Drawing the Line: Science and the Case for Animal Rights

From Publishers Weekly
Whether or not one accepts Wise's premise that certain animal species meet the law's criteria for personhood, his book is a fascinating examination of animal behavior and intelligence. Crammed with data, case studies and reports from the field, it engages the reader in a thoughtful debate about the place of animals in a world dominated by humans. Not only does Wise (Rattling the Cage) know how to build a logical argument for legal rights for some animals, he also knows how to tell a good story. From early morning forays in Ugandan mountain forests, where he observes the complex behavior and social structure of chimpanzees, to the MIT Media Lab, where he chronicles the astounding mental agility of its resident parrot-scholar, Alex, Wise strengthens his case and intrigues the reader with his tales. The narrative includes creatures both exotic (the loving family groups of elephants in Kenya) and common (our beloved companion dogs) and there's even the occasional animal celebrity (Wise visits Koko the gorilla and her teacher, Penny Patterson, and has a somewhat stilted but still very incredible conversation with the primate). Readers who have in the past dismissed the arguments for animal rights as trivial or foolish may not be persuaded to the opposite view, but they will find some of their assumptions strongly challenged. For those who already champion animal rights, this book will further convince them of their just cause. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
A pioneer in the field of animal rights law and author of Rattling the Cage, Wise has written yet another groundbreaking book a page-turner for anyone even remotely interested in the legal status of nonhuman animals. He has devised a taxonomy that allows him (and us) to consider whether an animal possesses self-awareness and has mental abilities, desires, and intentions that resemble those of humans. Using this tool, Wise studies various species, including African Grey parrots, dogs, chimpanzees, dolphins, and even human children to determine whether they are entitled to recognition as legal persons with rights and dignity. His conclusions are based on observation, experiments, and the thinking of such well-known ethologists and neuroscientists as Roger Fouts, Irene Pepperberg, Donald Griffin, and Antonio Damasio. The result is a provocative and solidly grounded book. Essential for all libraries. Peggie Partello, Keene State Coll. Lib., NHCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


The Christian Science Monitor, 7/3/02
"Few have devoted as much time and energy as Wise to advocating animal rights."


Animals Magazine, Summer/02
"A carefully researched book."


Nature, 7/25/02
"Provocative and disturbing...compelling and cogent...an important book to read."


The New York Law Journal, 7/29/02
"User-friendly and enjoyable to read...serves to expand traditional notions of justice and equity."


Salon.com, 9/3/02
"Wise's accounts of animals' mental abilities are fascinating and thought-provoking."


Wilson Quarterly, Autumn, 2002
"[Wise has] the skill and seriousness the subject deserves."


Rain Taxi Fall, 2002
"Drawing the Line answers the most essential question posed to animal advocates."


Choice November, 2002
"An unusual blending of entertaining anecdotes with closely reasoned and heavily footnoted arguments. A strong contribution."


Book Description
A scientific and legal exploration into the big question in rights law today: Where do we draw the line? One of those rare books that can change the reader's view of our position in the world and within the animal kingdom, Drawing the Line is a landmark both in its scientific insight and in its challenge to the law. As Steven Wise continues his exploration of animal cognition along the evolutionary spectrum--from apes to dolphins, parrots, elephants, dogs, and even honeybees--he finds astonishing answers to the big question in animal rights today: Where do we draw the line? The law has firm criteria for personhood and Wise shows how certain non-human animals meet those criteria. Readers will be enthralled as they follow Wise's firsthand investigations of the work of the world's most famous animal experts: in Kenya with Cynthia Moss and the touchingly affectionate elephant families of Amboseli, in the mountains of Uganda with Richard Wrangham and the chimpanzees of the Kibale Forest, at MIT with Irene Pepperberg and her amazing and witty gray parrot, Alex, and in the California sanctuary where Penny Paterson has spent two decades learning about the skills and vivid personality of Koko the gorilla. In many cases, Wise was even able to sustain an extended conversation with these extraordinary creatures. Steven Wise is the world's foremost expert on the legal rights of animals and has devoted his life to litigating, writing, and working on their behalf. No one with a shred of curiosity about animals, about rights, or about justice will want to miss this book. A Merloyd Lawrence Book


About the Author
Steven M. Wise, J.D., former president of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, has taught "Animal Rights Law" at the Harvard Law School, Vermont Law School, and John Marshall Law.


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People should read this book... scientists,anybody who owns an animal,anybody who cares about the future of biological research. Read all 14 "From The Critics" >


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