The Humane Economy: How Innovators and Enlightened Consumers Are Transforming the Lives of Animals

In his new book, Pacelle (The Bond), the president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, provides a comprehensive look at how technological innovation and compassion are steering American businesses toward more humane treatment of animals. Pacelle devotes much of his space to case studies showing how entrepreneurs, political leaders, and corporate executives are devising ways to stay profitable while keeping animal welfare in mind. He explores, for example, the problems of pet overpopulation and unethical breeding through the case studies of Petco and PetSmart, two major corporations that stopped doing business with puppy mills and opted to partner with animal shelters for in-store pet adoptions. Throughout the book, Pacelle appeals to the human conscience, noting how conscious consumers and voters have propelled the economic forces that encourage changes in business practices and inspire technological innovation. He provides practical solutions and lifestyle changes so that business owners and consumers can ensure that animals are treated humanely at all times. Pacelle successfully instills hope that people and businesses can and will continue to devise ways to ensure humane treatment of animals even during uncertain economic times. (Apr.)