In the company of animals : a study of human-animal relationships / James Serpell.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 252-276) and index.

Part I. A Paradox: 1. Of pigs and pets -- Part II. The Case Against Pets: 2. Substitutes for people -- 3. Instruments of follie -- 4. Pets in tribal societies -- 5. A cuckoo in the nest -- Part III. An Alternative View: 6. Pets as panacea -- 7. Health and friendship -- 8. Four-legged friends -- Part IV. Exploitation and Sympathy: A Conflict of Interests: 9. The myth of human supremacy -- 10. Killer with a conscience -- 11. Licensed to kill -- 12. The fall from grace.

When we elevate pets to the status of social companions, we undermine the distinction between human and non-human. Through an exploration of pet-keeping across history and between cultures, this study reassesses our relationships with animals.

What purpose, if any, do pets really serve? Are they simply an outlet for misplaced love? Or four-legged friends who help us to satisfyvital emotional needs? Whatever they are when we elevate pets to the status of social companions, we undermine the distinction between human and non-human. In other words, pets force us to confront the moral contradictions inherent in our treatement of animals in general. Pursuing this idea to its logical conclusion, the author uncovers a fascinating and disturbing trail of myths, evasions and double standards which humans have used since earliest times to justify their subjugation of nature and other life forms. Through an exploration of the phenomenon of pet-keeping across history and between cultures, this thought-provoking study reassesses our relationships with animals and the natural world. This new edition of In the Company of Animals has been substantially revised and updated to take into account developments in research since 1986. -- From back cover.