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This book offers the first transnational historical study of the creation, contention and consequences of the Australian animal movement. Largely inspired by Peter Singer and his 1975 book Animal Liberation, a new wave of animal activism emerged in Australia and across the world. In an effort to draw public and media attention to the plight of animals, such as the rearing of pigs and poultry in factory farms and the export of live animals to the Middle East and South East Asia, Australian activists were often innovative and provocative in how they made their claims. Through lobbying, disruptive methods, and vegan activism, the animal movement consistently contested the politics and culture of how animals were used and exploited. Australians not only observed and learnt from people and events overseas, but also played significant international roles. This book examines the complex and conflicting consequences of the animal movement for Australian politics, as well as its influence on broader social change.
List of contents
Chapter 1: Introduction-A Voice for Animals.- Chapter 2: 'The Bible' of the Animal Movement: Peter Singer & Animal Liberation, 1970-76.- Chapter 3: The Creation of the Animal Movement, 1976-87.- Chapter 4: In the Corridors of Power, 1979-91.- Chapter 5: Direct Action! 1985-93.- Chapter 6: The Spectacle of Open Rescue, 1993-2011.- Chapter 7: 'A Bloody Business': Lyn White & Transnational Investigative Campaigning, 2003-11.- Chapter 8: 'Go Veg': Identity, Lifestyle & Culture, 1970-2015.- Chapter 9: Conclusion: The Legacy of the Animal Movement.
About the author
Gonzalo Villanueva is Gilbert Postdoctoral Career Development Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Summary
This book offers the first transnational historical study of the creation, contention and consequences of the Australian animal movement. Largely inspired by Peter Singer and his 1975 book Animal Liberation, a new wave of animal activism emerged in Australia and across the world. In an effort to draw public and media attention to the plight of animals, such as the rearing of pigs and poultry in factory farms and the export of live animals to the Middle East and South East Asia, Australian activists were often innovative and provocative in how they made their claims. Through lobbying, disruptive methods, and vegan activism, the animal movement consistently contested the politics and culture of how animals were used and exploited. Australians not only observed and learnt from people and events overseas, but also played significant international roles. This book examines the complex and conflicting consequences of the animal movement for Australian politics, as well as its influence on broader social change.
Additional text
“This valuable book is ‘the first transnational history of the Australian animal movement’. Its most obvious strength is the detail which Gonzalo Villanueva provides on the various aspects of the animal movement and his comprehensive approach. … it represents essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand animal issues in Australia.” (John Simons, Australian Historical Studies, Vol. 49 (4), 2018)
Report
"This valuable book is 'the first transnational history of the Australian animal movement'. Its most obvious strength is the detail which Gonzalo Villanueva provides on the various aspects of the animal movement and his comprehensive approach. ... it represents essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand animal issues in Australia." (John Simons, Australian Historical Studies, Vol. 49 (4), 2018)
