Many scholars posit distinct European and American approaches to public policy, with the European approach more likely to have a generous social safety net, tougher regulations on businesses, and stronger protections for animals. Via a comparative analysis of several policies, In Search of Canine Justice asks whether this conventional wisdom holds in the area of canine welfare. While there is much vindication of these two distinct approaches, the reality is more complex when the behavior of particular states is taken into account. In short, European laws are more likely to advance canine welfare, but there are not only exceptions but places where practices deviate from the laws. At the state level in the United States, the trend is toward more protective laws and practices in this area as well.
In Search of Canine Justice is a valuable resource for students of comparative politics, animal studies, animal law, and public policy, as well as anyone with a general interest in canine welfare or a specific interest in the regulation of commercial breeding, euthanasia, commercial greyhound racing, scientific experimentation, and/or unnecessary surgeries for cosmetic reasons.

Julie Walsh is Associate Professor of Political Science at American International College. She earned her Ph.D. in political science from the University of Connecticut. She has previously published other works on American politics.

Tables - Acknowledgments - Abbreviations - Introduction: Canine Welfare in the United States and European Union: Are the Stereotypes True? - Dogs for Democratic Socialism: US and EU Approaches to Canine Welfare - Caring for Best Friends: Public Policies to Protect Companions - In or Out of the Family? High Stakes for Canine Status - Betrayal of Trust: Public Policies to Prevent Common Cruelties - A Discriminating Search for Canine Justice in the US and EU - Index.