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How the Early Humane Movement Set a Precedent For Killing Animals
Today, I am bringing you a brief article from the January 1915 edition of The National Humane Review, which was the monthly periodical of the American Humane Association. I recently attended a gathering where someone asked why killing animals in shelters continues to be an acceptable solution for population control. I answered that question by…
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Dog Attacks Man with Bomb (or How Storytelling Shaped the Humane Movement)
One tactic used to endear people to animals in encouragement for more humane treatment was to demonstrate their similarities to people by telling stories about them acting similarly. Particularly, that the benefits of kind treatment often resulted in demonstrations of extreme loyalty and heroism. Check out a few of my favorite examples.
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Ed Duvin’s “Unfinished Business”
This week, in a bit of a deviation from my usual content, I’m choosing to repost Ed Duvin’s 1999 essay “Unfinished Business” in it’s entirety. I have noticed that one of the few places I could go to find this essay has disappeared. I worry it will get lost if not preserved, so this is…
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In Their Own Words
As the humane movement began to establish itself and spread westward, with humane societies establishing themselves alongside new states, we see a frequently used tactic in the efforts to educate around appropriate treatment for animals; Stories and literature written from the first hand perspective of the animal themselves. The theory was that through anthropomorphism, empathy…
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The Humane Movement at the Centennial Exposition
The Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia was one of the hallmark moments of Victorian America, and the Humane Movement showed up to gain support. Find out what they exhibited.
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“Automatic Electric Cage”
The humane movement never began with the intention to provide live outcomes. It began with the intention to provide humane death.
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“Mercy to Animals Means Mercy to Mankind.”
Of all the founders of the animal welfare movement, none were so colorful in their public application of the first anti-cruelty laws as Henry Bergh, the founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York. Fairly, he had a right to be colorful with the law; He is the…
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“That of God in Every Man.”
Humane Movement founder Caroline Earle White was influenced in her approach to animal advocacy by both religion and her family’s abolitionist background.
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“I am Working at the Roots.”
George Angell believed in education over enforcement. His community minded belief system makes him my favorite animal welfare hero.
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The Journal of Zoophily
The Journal of Zoophily was the periodical of the American Anti-Vivisection society. It gives a fascinating glimpse into the movement.
Barking at the Knot
Understanding the hidden history of animal services
Barking at the Knot 