The Evolution of Animals in Our Hearts and Homes: A Lifestyle Perspective

In the new book “Our Kindred Creatures” by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy, readers are taken on a journey through the history of animals in America and how they moved from being perceived as tools to cherished members of our families.

The book starts by highlighting how in the earliest part of American history, animals were seen as mere tools for work or consumption. Horses were used for pulling and carrying, while cattle were raised for meat and leather. However, this perception began to shift with the efforts of Henry Bergh, who founded America’s first animal protection organization in 1866.

Bergh witnessed the mistreatment of animals on the streets of New York and was determined to change the way they were perceived and treated. Through new local laws and social pressure, attitudes towards animals began to change, leading to the passage of laws aimed at protecting animals, such as the 1872 law to make cattle transportation more humane.

The book also delves into the changing status of pets in American households and the shift towards using fewer live animals in medical training. Activists like Bergh also worked to improve the lives of animals used for entertainment, such as circus elephants and racehorses.

One of the key moments highlighted in the book is when Bergh’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lobbied to protect children as well, showing the interconnectedness of animal welfare and human welfare.

While “Our Kindred Creatures” does not shy away from the harsh realities of animal abuse and mistreatment, it presents a compelling narrative of activism and progress in the treatment of animals. The authors challenge readers to think about how we can continue to improve the lives of animals in the future.

Overall, “Our Kindred Creatures” is a thought-provoking and engaging read for animal lovers, offering a comprehensive look at the history of animals in America and the evolution of our attitudes towards them. It is a book that will make readers reconsider the way they view and interact with the animals in their lives.