Peter Sandøe & Stine B. Christiansen 
Ethics of Animal Use 

An interesting and accessible introduction to ethical issues raised
by various forms of human use of animals. This textbook avoids
moral lecturing and presents a range of ethical viewpoints without
defending or applying any specific stance. Readers are encouraged
and provoked to reflect for themselves, and to sharpen their own
points of view regarding the ethical limits on our use of animals.
They will also gain further understanding of the views held by
other people.

Early chapters of this interdisciplinary book cover changes over
time in our view of animals, the principles of animal ethics, and
different views of what counts as a good animal life. Later
chapters apply the conceptual tools to specific issues including:
food animal production, advanced veterinary treatment of pets,
control of infectious diseases, wildlife management, as well as the
use of animals in research.

Specifically designed for students of veterinary medicine,
animal science, welfare and behaviour, and veterinary nursing. Also
of interest to those wanting to combine an up-to-date,
science-based account of animal issues with clear-headed moral
reflection.

‘The book covers an impressive range of topics with accuracy and
fairness. Despite its ambitious scope, the authors have achieved
remarkable unity in the book, and have produced a book that is easy
and pleasant to read. Their work will surely provide a major tool
for rationalizing the debate about the ethics of animal use, and I
commend them for their invaluable contribution.’ From the Foreword
by Professor Bernard Rollin, Colorado State University.

Table of Content

Foreword vii

Acknowledgements x

Introduction xi

1 The Changing Face of Animal Ethics 1

2 What Are Our Duties to Animals? 15

3 What Is a Good Animal Life? 33

4 Role of Veterinarians and Other Animal Science Professionals 49

5 The Use of Animals in Food Production 67

6 Controlling Animals with Infectious Diseases 87

7 The Use of Animals in Experiments 103

8 Companion Animals 119

9 Animal Breeding and Biotechnology 137

10 Management and Use of Wild Animals 153

References 171

Index 175

About the author

Peter Sandøe is trained as a philosopher and is
currently professor of bioethics at the University of Copenhagen,
Denmark.

Stine B. Christiansen is a DVM and MSc in applied animal
behaviour and welfare and is currently doing her Ph.D. at the
University of Copenhagen.

Both authors have engaged in interdisciplinary research on animal
ethics for a number of years. They have advised politicians on
animal issues and contributed to the public debate. In addition,
they have been involved in setting up and teaching a compulsory
course in animal ethics for veterinary students at the University
of Copenhagen.