In the Company of Animals
A Study of Human-Animal Relationships

The relationships between humans, animals and the natural world across history and between cultures.

James Serpell (Author)

9780521577793, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 13 August 1996

316 pages, 22 b/w illus.
21.7 x 14.1 x 2 cm, 0.42 kg

'… why did James Serpell feel the need to write a book in defence of pet-keeping? Surely this is one aspect of human behaviour that requires no advocacy. But read on. Indeed, read his book, for it is full of fascinating comments on a subject that many of us have taken for granted.' Desmond Morris, BBC Wildlife

What purpose, if any, do pets really serve? Are they simply an outlet for misplaced love? Or four-legged friends who help us to satisfy vital emotional needs? Whatever they are, when we elevate pets to the status of social companions, we undermine the distinction between human and non-human. In other words, pets force us to confront the moral contradictions inherent in our treatment of animals in general. Pursuing this idea to its logical conclusion, the author uncovers a fascinating and disturbing trail of myths, evasions and double standards which humans have used since earliest times to justify their subjugation of nature and other life forms. Through an exploration of the phenomenon of pet-keeping across history and between cultures, this thought-provoking study reassesses our relationships with animals and the natural world. This new edition of In the Company of Animals has been substantially revised and updated to take into account developments in research since the first edition was published in 1986.

Part I. A Paradox: 1. Of pigs and pets
Part II. The Case Against Pets: 2. Substitutes for people
3. Instruments of follie
4. Pets in tribal societies
5. A cuckoo in the nest
Part III. An Alternative View: 6. Pets as panacea
7. Health and friendship
8. Four-legged friends
Part IV. Exploitation and Sympathy: A Conflict of Interests: 9. The myth of human supremacy
10. Killer with a conscience
11. Licensed to kill
12. The fall from grace.

Subject Areas: Animal behaviour [PSVP], Animals & society [JFFZ]