No Animals Were Harmed

Following the success of The Dangerous World of Butterflies and Forbidden Creatures, investigative journalist Peter Laufer returns with his third book in a trilogy that explores the way humans interact with animals. The attack of a trainer at SeaWorld by a killer whale in February 2010 sparked his examination of the controversial role animals have played throughout the ages in the human arenas of entertainment and sports. When it comes to using animals for our own entertainment, Laufer asks: What's okay and what's not? Homing pigeons? Sled dogs? Dancing bears? Elephant polo? Teaching Spot new tricks? From the Romans throwing Christians to the lions to cock-fighting in present-day California, from abusive Mexican circuses to the thrills of a Hungarian counterpart, and from dog training to shooting strays in the Baghdad streets, Laufer looks at the ways people have used animals for their pleasure. Travel with Laufer as he encounters intriguing people and places and contemplates the line that separates animal use from abuse.