Animal Rights and Wrongs

Roger Scruton sets out a compelling account of how we should think about the morality of our relationships to other animals. He argues that it is wrong to believe that animals automatically have rights, but suggests we owe them duties depending on whether we are treating them as pets, for laboratory experiments or for meat. This is essential reading in the light of the recent public concern over issues such as veal calf exportation and the BSE crisis. Roger Scruton is a philosopher and freelance writer. His articles often appear in The Times.