Customer Reviews

Animalscam: The Beastly Abuse of Human Rights

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

This book opens up showing the abuses of many of the big name Animal Rights groups. The vast majority of funds raised are not used towards benefiting animals by research or health funds but actually go back to programs to raise even more money. These figures are not released by these various groups because it would by common sense cease people sending them more funding.

A value judgement is given that human life has greater importance and to lose sight of this can only lead us to a world where groups like the Taliban can kill off women because they have no value. Humans are the present reigning species and this book does not suggest that we abuse or neglect animals just that we utilize our funds with information. To believe that you are giving to a charity for the welfare of animals and instead find out that the money goes to a select group whose salaries are in the top 5% and also that the charity funds and defends voilence and destruction of research is very disheartening. This book provides a vast number of source for all claims it puts forth, similar to the Susan Faludi book "Backlash".
Please keep your minds open and don't be lazy thinkers when you gift your funds to organizations.

Kathleen Marquardt was called a "murderer" because she hunted. Her daughter, came home from school crying because of that. Later on, she was sick, and treated, during which time she read up on animal rights. From that, she started an organization called Putting People First, and went on to write this book.

One cannot look at this book without keeping this in mind. She got angry, and vowed to do something about it. Animal rights groups have Hollywood stars and lots of snazzy advertising, while Mrs. Marquardt relies on a presentation of facts. These facts include the following:

1. Destruction of years of research on infectious diseases
2. Hunter harassment that had included shots fired at hunters
3. Bombings
4. "Liberation" of animals, some of which have dangerous diseases, and
5. The movement's goal to oulaw pet ownership.

This does portray the darker side of the animal rights movement, forcing a person to think hard. It can also shatter notions of animal rights groups that are held closely. Furthermore, this book proves that one need not be a memeber of PeTA to care about animals and oppose cruelty. A must read for anyone undecided about animal rights.

This book is out of print now but should not be. On the contary, it should be required reading for all of us. Ms. Marquardt delivers devestating attacks on extremist groups and by using their own words and actions, shows just what the results of their programs would be....total extinction of ALL species including that well meaning but blundering species call humans. Contary to what was said in another review, the quotes are all documented, and the reader is shown where the information is if they choose to verify themselves. All Ms. Marquardt is asking for is a level playing field rather than the slanted, biased reporting that so often takes place in our society today.....

Already read 'The Hijacking of the Humane Movement' and 'Misplaced Compassion'? This is the least known of the three basic books that tell the frightening truth about the animal rights movement, but it's easily the pick of the litter. Be sure to read the reviews written by the animal rightists here -- if they don't convince you that this is what you're looking for, nothing will!

Carefully documented, consise, clear, and READABLE, this is the one to have your dog or cat club legislative liaison and officers read, the one to leave with your state legislators when you visit them, the one to spend a weekend with if you're scared of all the bad laws that are being passed. It would be great if the AKC's leadership would read this ... but not a chance: They're working with the movement now.

If you haven't read the other two, just get this. The only real question is why did we let it go out of print?

Impeccably researched, well written. If you think PETA is warm & fuzzy, you need to read this book. Especially the documented quote from PETA's founder, comparing the six million human victims of the Holocaust to the six billion broiler chickens that die every year. She believes the latter is as tragic and lamentable as the former.

A particularly good read while you're eating a hamburger, and curled up in fur boots!

Author has a chip on her shoulder because she was insulted by animal activists who referred to hunters as "murderers". In general it's poorly written, biased and poorly researched. If you want a good laugh, read this book. The vast majority of animal activists are not hellbent on destroying humankind for the sake of non-human species-which the author tries to press this view that all activists are. While animal extremism does exist, as a whole these activist she's demonizing are compassionate folks to human and animal alike.

Really..this book is a complete joke.

There is certainly a reason that Kathleen's Animalscam is currently out of print: this book was a sorry collection of laughable excuses as to why human beings ought to be able to continue slaughtering, torturing, and exploiting animals for whatever trivial reasons they like. A copy of this book is currently available in my own public library, and I've a good mind to check it out and 'lose' it conveniently.

What disturbed me most about Animalscam was the section on animals as they are used for 'entertainment'. The author stresses that circuses animals are 'treated well' by their handlers, and that there is no good reason why they should be liberated from their miserable lives in ridiculous clothes, as they perform meaningless tricks for thousands of humans that will forget it all in the space of a week. I don't dispute the fact that many circus handlers are kind to their animals (although many are NOT), but what the author fails to mention are the horrendous experiences that many of these animals must suffer through when they are captured from their native countries and 'broken' by natives, all to make them easier to handle for shipping to the Americas. A chilling documentary shown recently on the Discovery Channel aired just such an experience; I remember watching in horror as a small African elephant was strapped down and beaten repeatedly by callous workers to show the animal who 'was in charge'. The animal's destination: circus life in the United States.

Complete utter garbage from a thoroughly undertalented "writer". Relies nearly 100% on distortions and outright lies, often plagiarizing from equally extremist sources such as the Animal Agriculture Alliance. Ms. Marquardt's joke group Putting People First had to go out of business when its funding was cut by the imminently progressive Feld Corporation, owners of Ringling Brothers. It seems that when she went to Mexico to address a convention of cockfighters in 1993, it was too much even for Ringling to stomach. Her group folded by 1995. Anyone looking for a serious discussion of animal issues should look elsewhere. This infantile tripe is worthless and has fittingly been out of print for many years.

I'm a supporter of animal rights, but wanted to keep my mind open, and read a book written by someone who opposes the animal rights movement. I am glad I did: this book confirmed by belief in animal rights, and rendered me even more dedicated to the cause. The author's arguments are weak (her critique of vegetarianism is atrocious), and her tone is decidedly angry and vindictive. I guess that's why the book is out of print.

What angered me most about the book is that, while she claims several times that she supports "animal welfare," she offers absolutely no information on how to help animals, and in fact, completely ignores the very real problem of widespread animal abuse that takes place in our country, and the world. She ignores that researchers have proven that acts of abuse to animals often progress to violent acts towards humans. She ignores that some of the greatest minds in history--Plato, Pythagoras, Ghandi, Da Vinci, Emerson, Einstein, Chief Seattle, Tolstoy,(and probably many women who went unrecorded)--have promoted kindness to animals and vegetarianism.

One gets the feeling that because a Peta representive indirectly insulted the author (by calling hunters murderers), she went into some kind of an infuriated tailspin, hurredly creating an anti-animal rights organization, and writing this miserable book. What is sad is that her actions can only hurt the animals, whom she claims to care about.

Incidently, I have visited Peta's offices in Norfolk, Virginia. I was relieved and pleased to observe a well-functioning and organized group. There, I met with a professional and courteous staff who work long hours on small salaries. Various rescued dogs and cats walked sedately up and down the halls. It was a real thrill to be there. On my last day, I collected lots of great pamphlets and stickers from them which I disseminated back home. I gave then a big donation too--as they are doing the work that I only wish I had more time to do. Thank you, Peta. I am New York State teacher with a Masters in English, and I look forward to promoting Peta's powerful message of respect for our fellow creatures in my classroom for years to come.

The name of Marquardt's group is, "Putting People First." Unfortunately, mankind has been "putting people first," for a while, showing a stunning disregard for our planet and other species. This attitude of "putting people first" has resulted in the suffering of both wild and domestic animals, and has caused serious environmental degradation and imbalance. I believe that "putting people first" also erodes the human spirit, as it puts us out of touch with out place on the planet. We are not happiest when we dominate and harm nature and her creatures, but when we live with them amicably and peacefully. They have so much to offer us.

While the research on the benefits of a vegetarian diet is so solid, it is hard to dispute (though our author gives it a weak try), there are many people who will dig up reasons to test on animals. My feeling is that animals are off limits--no matter what seeming "good" comes from harming them. To me, it's not worth it. Can human life really be seen as precious if it comes from hurting other, more vulnerable creatures? I believe not. Plus, I am sure that once we decide that animals are off limits, we will "miraculously" come upon processes that lead to cures without the use of animals. Also, as the field of alternative medicine grows, we find that tradtional medicine doesn't really cure us at all--only masks the symptoms. We as a society are finding that healthcare is most effective at the preventitive stage (ironically, a vegetarian diet dramatically decreases the chances of suffering a degenerative disease), and that when we do get sick, alternative measures are the most effective for getting to the root of the problem. Sometimes we must close one door firmly before we notice that others are open.

The best way to help the animals is to get in touch with your true self--that gentle, loving part of you that wants to heal and nurture, not harm, torture or destroy. For optimum health and happiness, respect yourself and the earth by eating with conscience, and letting other creatures live their happy lives. Be an example of love and caring--and not of anger and exploitation. Do it for yourself--and the animals.

For anyone who has personally witnessed the tragedy of euthanazation of so many animals and the difficult struggles to find them quality homes, this book itself is an "Animalscam.