Wildlife Law and Ethics

Exploring how the law can be used to influence, for better and for worse, the lives of the billions of individual animals we call wildlife, this new book focuses not only on the legal issues involved but also on the compelling ethical and moral issues that are inextricably intertwined with our treatment of wild animals. Framed around specific issues, each chapter focuses on the significant and often unrealized power of U.S. law to influence wildlife protections around the world. This is an informative and understandable resource for lawyers, scholars, and the increasing number of citizens who care about the future of wildlife. Wildlife advocates often hear the questions: “What can I do personally to help animals in the wild? What actions can I take that will truly make a difference?” Wild animals, unlike companion animals, are usually in distant lands or public parks rather than in our own backyards, making our ability to help seem beyond the reach of an individual or local lawyer. The reality is much different, and after reading this book, no one should see his or her role in wildlife protection as limited or nonexistent. By understanding the issues and the laws, it is clear how the products we buy, the entertainment we choose, and the votes we cast have a direct impact on wildlife and the environment.