In this Book

summary
Although scholars in the disciplines of law, psychology, philosophy, and sociology have published a considerable number of prescriptive, normative, and theoretical studies of animals in society, Pet Politics presents the first study of the development of companion animal or pet law and policy in Canada and the United States by political scientists. The authors examine how people and governments classify three species of pets or companion animals—cats, dogs, and horses—for various degrees of legal protection. They then detail how interest groups shape the agenda for companion animal legislation and regulation, and the legislative and administrative formulation of anticruelty, kennel licensing, horse slaughter, feral and roaming cat, and breed ban policies. Finally, they examine the enforcement of these laws and policies by agencies and the courts. Using an eclectic mix of original empirical data, original case studies, and interviews—and relying on general theories and research about the policy process and the sociopolitical function of legality—the authors illustrate that pet policy is a unique field of political struggle, a conflict that originates from differing perspectives about whether pets are property or autonomous beings, and clashing norms about the care of animals. The result of the political struggle, the authors argue, is difficulty in the enactment of policies and especially in the implementation and enforcement of laws that might improve the welfare of companion animals.

Table of Contents

restricted access Download Full Book
  1. Cover
  2. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Half Title, Series Editors, Title Page, Copyright
  2. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Contents
  2. pp. v-vi
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Preface
  2. pp. vii-x
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 1. Why Study Pet Politics?
  2. pp. 1-44
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 2. The Evolution of Pet Policy
  2. pp. 45-86
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 3. What Is a Pet? Popular Conceptions of Animals and the Pet Policy Agenda
  2. pp. 87-122
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 4. The Formation of a Pet Policy Agenda: Activists and Organized Interests
  2. pp. 123-174
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 5. Making Pet Policy: Anti-cruelty Laws
  2. pp. 175-206
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 6. Making Pet Policy: Kennel Licensing Legislation
  2. pp. 207-248
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 7. Making Pet Policy: The Disposition of Unwanted Horses
  2. pp. 249-284
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 8. Making Pet Policy: Roaming and Feral Cats
  2. pp. 285-312
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 9. Making Pet Policy: Breed-Specific Laws
  2. pp. 313-350
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 10. The Enforcement of Pet Legislation
  2. pp. 351-396
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 11. Conclusion: The Meaning of Pet Politics
  2. pp. 397-404
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Index
  2. pp. 405-424
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
Back To Top

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Without cookies your experience may not be seamless.