Guilty Pigs: The Weird and Wonderful History of Animal Law

(Paperback)

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An illuminating and entertaining history of the law's treatment of animals Trespassing bees, murderous zebras, reasonable cows ... Ever since biblical times, animals have been clashing with human laws. In Guilty Pigs, animal law experts Katy Barnett and Jeremy Gans guide readers through the philosophy and practice of animal-related law, from the very earliest cases to the issues we are debating today, including the responsibilities of pet owners and the application of human rights to animals. They also cover hunting rights, using animals to solve crime, protecting animals from abuse and neglect, and the unique nature of owning a living being. What to do with animals that injure or kill people, in particular, has long troubled humans. In medieval Europe, 'killer' animals - horses, cattle and most often pigs, which were notorious for eating young children - were put on trial. Even in the early twentieth century, circus elephants who lashed out at their keepers in America were summarily executed for their crimes. Filled with lively and sometimes bizarre case studies, this is a fascinating and entertaining read - for all lovers of misbehaving creatures.

Reviews

'The book - erudite, informative, entertaining - takes the reader on a journey from antiquity to the present.' -Australian Book Review

'... an accessible work full of fascinating insights into the lives of animals and the laws that constrain them, liberate them, and much in between.' -Law Society Journal

'... an entertaining primer on the law.' -The Sydney Morning Herald

'... a pleasure to read.' -The Conversation

Author Bio

Katy Barnett is a professor of law at the University of Melbourne. She is the author of the young adult novel The Earth Below and co-author of Remedies in Australian Private Law. Jeremy Gans is a professor of law at the University of Melbourne. He is the author of Modern Criminal Law of Australia and The Ouija Board Jurors- Mystery, Mischief and Misery in the Jury System, a true crime book. He is a co-author of Uniform Evidence.