A Crusade For Kindness to Animals
A CRUSADE for Kindness to Animals tells the story of Henry Bergh, who lived and died in England. It is a sensational tale of cruelty, greed and class warfare. Bergh was an English aristocrat who gained worldwide notoriety as a reformer, author, pamphleteer and animal advocate. He lived in Britain but also travelled extensively to North America and Australia.
The book covers his many travels throughout Europe, including visits to India, Mexico, South America and Australia. The book tells of his cruelty to animals, which spanned several generations. It also covers his many writings on animal rights and vegetarianism.
In his youth he was deeply moved by the treatment animals were receiving at the hands of owners and dealers in the UK. He lived for a short time in India, while studying medicine. In Australia he became involved in debating animal rights. After studying law at Cambridge University, A CRUSade for Kindness to Animals was written.
The book tells of Henry's long-term participation in animal welfare work in both Australia and India. It also covers his travel to South America and his time there working with the British Association for Slavery. As an activist he participated in the drafting of the Humane Suffrage Act in England. In India, he founded the Animal Rights Movement. He later served as a legal advisor for the Anti-Slavery Society. The book concludes with a brief description of his legacy.
The author chose not to include a timeline of his activities, saying that he did not want to overemphasise his role as a reformer and that animals would continue to suffer and need care until such time as people begin to feel genuinely inspired to do something about it. The book is not a biographical account of Henry; he is merely one of the many inspiring individuals who have changed the world for animals and saved them from cruelty. However, the book is a moving account of someone who saw his vocation as having meaning beyond his private sphere. It is also a timely reminder of how little we know about the animals that we care for.
People who identify with this book are those who are reform minded, who recognise the importance of compassion, and who want to see animals treated with kindness, dignity, respect, and consistency. They want to see laws enacted to ensure that no one is permitted to mistreat animals. They want to see animals given proper rights, and to be protected from circumstances that may lead to their mistreatment. They also want to see these laws enacted so that compassionate people who are volunteering to help animals are rewarded accordingly. The book is a timely reminder that we need to start using our voice and influence to bring about change in an area where change needs to occur.
A Crusade for Kindness to Animals by David Templeton is a very motivating read. It is written in a very easy to understand way. The book has illustrations that are clear, and the text flows well, making it a pleasant and easy read to those who have not yet had the experience of caring for or witnessing any animal abuse. It is written in a way that makes you want to actually do something to help in some way - to see what your money will get you. This book will make you feel like you are doing something good for animals and will give you the desire to keep doing it.
Templeton offers advice on what you should do as a volunteer to help in the effort to save animals. He also offers information on how to adopt a dog, and on how others can help rescue an abandoned cat or a sick puppy. There are recommendations on reading books and watching videos to find your own stories of helping others. One thing that Templeton stresses in the book is that you can help by simply being kind to others.