Animal Harm

Why do people harm injure torture and kill animals? This book evaluates the reasons why these crimes are committed and outlines the characteristics of the animal offender. It considers ethical and value judgements made about animals and the tacit acknowledgement and justification of unacceptable criminal behaviour towards the harming of animals made by offenders. Situating animal abuse wildlife crime illegal wildlife trading and other unlawful activities directed at animals firmly within Green Criminology the book contends that this is a distinct multi-dimensional type of criminality which persists despite the introduction of relevant legislation. Taking a broad approach the book considers the killing and harming of animals in an international context and examines the effectiveness of current legislation policy and sentencing. Including a section on further reading and useful organizations this book is a valuable exploration into perspectives on the responsibility owed by man to animals as part of broader ecological and legal concerns. It will interest criminologists ecologists animal protectionists and those interested in law and society and law and the environment.