Ethical concerns about the exploitation and welfare of nonhuman animals have been a recurring preoccupation throughout human history. Different societies and cultures have resolved these concerns in different ways, sometimes through radical change, but more often by adopting novel exonerative belief systems that absolve humans from responsibility.The current resurgence of interest in animal welfare and rights in developed countries appears to have been promoted by multiple factors including urbanisation and the decline in rural attitudes, and the increasing use of some animals as quasi-family members and social support providers. Using some recent examples, this presentation will explore the curious ways in which these cultural and demographic changes are playing out in the theatre of Read more →