Description:As modern society begins to re/examine its relationship with animals, as well as the larger global environment, the idea of small, utopian minorities as the only ones concerned with issues of animal welfare and environmental protections has begun to be replaced. Vast numbers of articulate supporters, from Hollywood stars to powerful political figures are now at the forefront of these fights. Animals, both wild and 8omestic--spotted owls, alley cats, lab rats and vanishing other species--are the most visible issue in the debates. This book brings together a broad range of contributions from the distinguished in the field. The book explores the importance of animals in society from sociological, historical and cross-cultural perspectives.