Stolen For Profit [Paperback]

Judith Reitman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1995

In this shocking expose, award-winning journalist Judith Reitman rips the veil of secrecy off the animal theft business and shows how profiteers stalk family pets and sell them to unscrupulous labs at universities, drug manufacturers, and cosmetic companies.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

At the outset, Reitman, a freelance journalist, makes clear that her book is not a diatribe against the use of animals in biomedical research. Rather, she attacks the illegal means by which many of the cats and dogs used in experiments are procured--the theft and misrepresentation by middlemen who sell the animals to laboratories. Often boarded in appallingly unhealthy quarters prior to their sale, the animals can fetch up to $500 apiece, despite their debilitated condition. This money is generally paid from federal grants; the Department of Agriculture has taken no action against this system. Reitman frames her powerful, unsettling expose around a 1991 California trial in which three animal suppliers drew terms of six, five and three years. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

A major industry exists in which pets are stolen or obtained under false pretenses and sold to research institutions. Reitman's book is based on her personal observations of dog auctions, a lengthy trial in California, and information supplied by others working to stop these practices. She provides extensive documentation of the magnitude of the problem and the failure of government agencies--both because of understaffing and unwillingness at executive levels--to enforce the animal welfare laws. However, it is unfortunate that Reitman often digresses from the main subject--pet theft--to criticize all animal research. While there are abuses, the answer is not to ban such research but to scrutinize grant proposals more carefully and rigidly enforce animal welfare laws. For popular collections.
- A. Louis Shor, DVM, Veterinary Consultant, Mt. Laurel, N.J.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 307 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082174951X
• ISBN-13: 978-0821749517
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,821,441 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I write because I believe that through my work I can best express the need for institutional accountability. This is reflected in Stolen for Profit which changed laws and in Bad Blood which is used as a text at many journalism schools and as a reference for lawyers suing Red Cross on behalf of bad blood victims. I've taken a break with travel writing while living in Europe and am working on my first novel which takes place in France. I would say that one of the most significant experiences in my life was founding The North Carolina Women's Prison Writing and Performance Project. Working creatively with the remarkable participants was revelatory and gave me the courage to find my own voice in fiction.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Corrupt U. S. Government NOT PROTECTING ANIMALS!, January 22, 2000

By 

Elaine van der Linden - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stolen For Profit (Paperback)

"Stolen for Profit" is beyond a five star book. This is the most enlightening book I have ever read. I wish everyone in America could read this book. Do you know that the U. S. Department of Agriculture lisenses "dealers" to sell to medical research? Do you know that these "dealers" are stealing your pets on a regular basis? They look at animals as MONEY and nothing else. We have to fight back. The best way to begin is by reading this book. WE CAN STOP ANIMAL ABUSE IN THIS COUNTRY! Let politicians know that you will vote for NO CANDIDATE THAT DOES NOT ADDRESS ANIMAL RIGHTS!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every caring pet owner should read this book., April 20, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Stolen For Profit (Paperback)

This is an excellent inside view of what goes on in our world where animals are used for research and advises us to watch our furry friends as they could be at risk. It should be read by everyone who owns a pet, dog or cat especially, as it will make you aware of how vulnerable your companion is. I never thought about people stealing dogs from their own back yard or creeps answering the "free to good home" pet ads in the newspapers then selling these animals to research for big bucks until I read this book. Pet theft is a profitable business to some. It is sad and shocking for this type of activity to occur, but it does. It has taught me some invaluable safety tips for protecting my "best friends." I will no longer leave them unattended for any length of time. We must protect and safeguard our furry friends like we do our children. After all, don't you consider your pet(s) a part of your family ?! If you care about your pet(s), this is one book you must read. Ramona Hand ([e-mail])

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stung Into Action, January 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Stolen For Profit (Paperback)

This book is the most galvanizing force for action I've ever read in terms of casting a harsh glare on the animal theft crime rings "blessed" by the U.S. government and making one begin to fight back. That we cannot live in peace in our own neighborhoods without the insidious threat of having our family members stolen from their own back yards is bad enough -- that this hideous offence has been repeatedly brought to the attention of the powers that control it, only to be met with apathy and denial, is even worse. I encourage everyone who ever loved an animal, large or small, or who currently lives with a beloved companion animal, to read this book, then to follow the prevention guide found at the end. It may not help you to sleep at night after yet another realization that humankind is the most dangerous animal around, but it will provide a practical approach to protecting your companion(s) and to helping end this most horrible of Killing Fields.