Animals’ Rights Considered in Relation to Social Progress #232018

AS a memorial of work done on behalf of the rights of animals, it has been thought fitting, by members and friends of the late Humanitarian League, that a new edition of this little book should be published in the year that brings the centenary of Martin's Act, the first legislation for the prevention of cruelty to the non-human races. Of the progress made in this branch of ethics, since 1822, some account is incidentally given in the book; and during the last few years the advance has been steadily continued. Attention has been drawn, for instance, to the antiquated methods employed in the slaughter of animals for food; and this has corres ponded with an increase in the practice of vegetarian ism. The treatment of other domestic animals, such as pit ponies, and the worn-out horses exported to the Continent, has stirred the public conscience; and at the same time the cruelty and folly of what is technically known as the wild animal industry — the kidnapping of specimens for exhibition in zoological gardens, or as performing animals on the stage are becoming better understood.