ON THEIR OWN TERMS: Book review by Rob Jackson in THE VEGAN

[Carolyn Bailey]

On Their Own Terms: Bringing Animal-Rights Philosophy Down to Earth
Lee Hall
ISBN: 978-0-9769159-3-5
$17.95
Reviewed by Rob Jackson for The Vegan (Winter 2010, page 36) the magazine of The Vegan Society (www.vegansociety.com).

Lee Hall has written an exceptional book – I don’t think there is anything else quite like it. What Lee calls for is both a return to the roots of animal rights and a reimagining of its future.

The text describes a revolution in thought. Lee’s essential point is that it is only wild animals that could ever benefit from the rights that we advocate: autonomy and freedom. Domesticated animals will always be dependent on the care of humans. Lee urges us to stop talking about cruelty and start advocating for justice.

This is where Lee brings environmentalism into the picture – it’s about protecting habitat so that indigenous populations can continue to thrive. It is right to protect the natural environment because it is the home of all wild animals.

This book is very broad in scope, but very specific in detail. From redefining common words, to redefining what it means to be vegan, it will make you think. The appendices include a workshop on
defining your own strategy and a guide to writing advocacy literature.

The VEGAN is the magazine of The Vegan Society: http://www.vegansociety.com