“Gateway” Arguments

Dear Colleagues: It is spring break at the University so I am using the extra time to do some blogging! I want to address a set of related arguments that are commonly referred to as “gateway” arguments. The three primary gateway arguments are: (1) that we should promote some version of vegetarianism that allows for […]

“Animal Law”: Making the Use of Hooks and Prods More “Humane”

Dear Colleagues: I frequently get inquiries from undergraduate students who tell me that they want to go to law school so that they can study “animal law” and ask my advice about how to become “animal lawyers.” I respond that what is commonly referred to as “animal law”—veterinary malpractice cases, “pet” custody cases, “pet” trust […]

Peter Singer and the Welfarist Position on the Lesser Value of Nonhuman Life

Dear Colleagues: Some animal advocates maintain that there is no real difference between the abolitionist approach and the new welfarist approach of Peter Singer. I have discussed Singer’s views in previous essays on this site (see, e.g., 1, 2) and in my books and articles, in an effort to illustrate what I regard as the […]

Birth Defects: Vegan Diet or Just Not Enough B-12?

Dear Colleagues: I read an article in today’s Telegraph, a British newspaper. The title of the article is Vegan diet increases the risk of birth defects, scientists warn. The subtitle of the article is: “Women who are strict vegetarians or vegans may be [at] greater risk of having a child with birth defects because they […]

More Translations of Abolition Pamphlet

Dear Colleagues: We are very pleased to make available four new translations of our Abolitionist Pamphlet: in Dutch, Greek, Japanese, and Norwegian. They are provided in U.S. Letter and A4 formats. You can download the Dutch version here: Letter | A4 You can download the Greek version here: Letter | A4 You can download the […]

Happy Meat and Sexism

Dear Colleagues: Two things came to my attention this morning that really speak volumes about the very sad state of what is referred to as the “animal protection movement.” The first item is an article from The Times of London. The writer, Tessa Williams, proclaims that after 25 years as a vegetarian, she is now […]

I Will Emerge Soon!

Dear Colleagues: I apologize for not publishing new blog essays recently but I am at work trying to finish a new book on animal rights vs. animal welfare. The book, which will be published by Columbia University Press, will be in a “debate” style and will be co-authored with Professor Robert Garner, who is the […]

Spanish and Portuguese Versions of Blog Essays Available

Dear Colleagues: As a result of the efforts of Dra. Ana María Aboglio and Regina Rheda, the blog essays are now available in Spanish and Portuguese. Please also remember that our video presentations, Theory of Animal Rights, Animals as Property, Animal Rights vs. Animal Welfare, and Animal Law,, as well as our vegan-abolitionist pamphlet are […]

Another Vegan Pamphlet

Dear Colleagues: Eric Prescott and his colleagues at the Boston Vegan Association have produced an excellent pamphlet on the importance of veganism. When I talk about creative, nonviolent vegan education, this is the sort of thing that I mean. Gary L. Francione © 2008 Gary L. Francione

It Makes the Mind Boggle

The New York Times Magazine (October 26, 2008) has a lengthy article on California’s Proposition 2. I will blog more about this article, which is disturbing on multiple levels. But I could not let a moment more pass without commenting on a statement attributed to HSUS president Wayne Pacelle: “For people who want a vegan […]

Another Terrible California Proposition

Dear Colleagues: It seems as though Proposition 2 is not the only reactionary measure that will be put before California voters next month. Proposition 8, which will eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry, will also be on the ballot. In May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that limiting marriage to a relationship […]

“These animals are our dear friends”

Dear Colleagues: Earlier today, Anna and I went to Whole Foods. We detest shopping there but we have no choice; our local health food stores have largely disappeared in the wake of chains like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. On Sundays, there is an outdoor market in the Whole Foods parking lot. Local vendors sell […]

What to Do on Proposition 2?

Dear Colleagues: I am getting a large number of inquiries about whether animal advocates in California should vote for Proposition 2 given that it is already on the ballot. On balance, it is my view that animal advocates should vote against Proposition 2 (or at least abstain from voting on it at all). I base […]

Proposition 2

Dear Colleagues: About.com has published a pro/con on California’s Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, known as “Proposition 2.” I oppose Proposition 2. The Humane Society of the United States is its primary supporter and the About.com piece defending Proposition 2 is written by Paul Shapiro, Senior Director, HSUS Factory Farming Campaign. The essays are […]

A Debate on “Pet” Ownership

Dear Colleagues: In light of the significant response to the debate on eating meat and animal products, Opposing Views decided to have another debate on animal ethics and focused on the institution of “pets.” I am arguing against the perpetuation of “pet” ownership; the Humane Society of the United States is arguing in favor of […]

A “Monumental” Decision?

Animal welfare advocates are terribly excited over a recent decision of the New Jersey Supreme Court. According to a press release from The Humane Society of the United States and Farm Sanctuary, two of the petitioners in the case: The New Jersey Supreme Court today struck down the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s regulations exempting […]

Italian and Polish Translations of Abolitionist Pamphlet

Dear Colleagues: The Italian and Polish versions of the pamphlet are now available. They are provided in U.S. Letter and A4 formats. You can download the Italian version here: Letter | A4 You can download the Polish version here: Letter | A4 Thanks to Marina Berati for the Italian translation and to Krzysztof Forkasiewicz for […]

French Translation of Pamphlet Available

Dear Colleagues: The French version of the pamphlet is now available. It is provided in U.S. Letter and A4 formats. You can download the French version here: Letter | A4 Thanks to Maryline Chauvet, Valéry Giroux, and Marc Vincent for doing this translation. Please also remember that we have a complete mirror site in French […]

Spanish and Portuguese Versions of Pamphlet Now Available

Dear Colleagues: We now have available Spanish and Portuguese versions of our pamphlet on the fundamentals of the abolitionist approach to animal rights. Both versions are provided in U.S. Letter and A4 formats. You can download the Spanish version here: Letter | A4 You can download the Portuguese version here: Letter | A4 Thanks to […]

German Version of Pamphlet Now Available

Dear Colleagues: The response to our pamphlet has been overwhelming and coming from advocates all over the world. Anna Charlton and I are very happy that so many people are finding the pamphlet of use in their educational efforts. We are working as quickly as possible to make foreign language versions. Through the efforts of […]