Reviews

A Rat Is a Pig Is a Dog Is a Boy: The Human Cost of the Animal Rights Movement by Wesley J. Smith

juliecrog's review against another edition

5.0

As the mother of a child with a congenital heart defect, I am appalled that some would put the rights of a pig (my son will need need a pig artery) above the life of my son. I have encountered that argument from several of my pro-animal (former) friends. This book gave me insight into the animal rights movement and frankly terrified me for the future. It was not a pleasant read, as the material was so alarming, but I think it is an IMPORTANT read. While I respect my kind vegan friends, this book shows that some animal rights activists have a much broader agenda that most would be sick over. Every thinking person should read this book and keep their eyes wide open, lest the radicals make further progress.

ptaradactyl's review against another edition

4.0

A good read that made me think. Very educational around the underlying philosophies of Animal Rights and Animal Welfare.

My only complaint is that Smith's argument relies heavily on morals, not an area people readily agree on. If someone rejects his stance on morals and human exceptionalism, it's easy to refute the bulk of his argument.
I wish it had been more fact-based, which is admittedly a challenge on such an emotionally-charged subject. To me, the idea that no other species would have the same consideration for humans as humans offer them is stronger than the idea that humans are set above and therefore have a mandate to welfare.