Growl: Life Lessons, Hard Truths, and Bold Strategies from an Animal Advocate

and the old animal rights activists like myself can take a trip down memory lane- he glosses over some of the worst fights in the movement- but better they not be remembered- we need to remember the good that has been acccomplished and he is very detailed about what needs to happen now- everyone should read this book

"Growl" provides not only a detailed history of the animal rights movement, but also a road map for anyone taking an ethical stand that may not be popular with the mainstream. From his first introduction to compassion for animals from "Caberley Kate" in his home town, to today's animal rights groups, Stallwood details a rich history of this growing international movement. His personal narrative draws you in to a world of successes and losses, but even more importantly, it helps prepare the reader for an often times difficult battle. Don't be intimidated by Stallwood's "Growl" - this is a MUST READ for armchair and front line activists alike!

An instructive and critical autobiography of one of animal advocacy's longest-serving scholar-activists. Offers plenty of inspiration and suggestions for future action.

Social justice activists seeking recognition for human rights have one advantage over activists who focus their efforts on non-human animals. The people in whose name justice is sought can usually speak for themselves. As the title of Kim Stallwood's book GROWL makes obvious, this is not the case with the billions of animals annually caged and killed, treated as raw materials for food, clothing, entertainment, scientific study and corporate profit.Stallwood provides a very personal view of his evolution as an advocate for animals within the context of the evolution of the animal movement in both the UK and the United States. He addresses the contradictions and unwarrented assumptions that are easily if thoughtlessly made, for example the sincere, self-declared animal lover, who would never dream of dining on Fido but can happily tuck into a ham sandwich. Animal advocates and their organizations, as the book makes clear, may share the same goal but can and do differ on tactics. Stallwood makes a strong and logical case for non-violence as a tactic because non-violence toward animals is the goal. Violent actions, even from 'good' motives that avoid bloodshed but serve to intimidate, are logically inconsistent with that goal and may ultimately prove self defeating.The challenges of reinventing either one's self or an organization are not for the faint hearted. Obviously, being grumpy and growling (when called for) are assets he has put to good use. The book is a fascinating and honest search for truth and an attempt to make sense of the human and animal condition.

We live in a very challenging and frustrating world in which nonhuman animals (animals) are arrogantly and violently dismissed in any number of venues and ways by human animals who don't care about them or don't realize just how much pain, suffering, and death for which they're directly or indirectly responsible. Long-time activist, Kim Stallwood, has always been one of my heroes in the animal protection/rights arena and his autobiography, Growl, is a must read for anyone interested in righting the innumerable wrongs in how we treat other animals. Stallwood argues that four key values must animate our commitment to animals rights, namely, compassion, truth, nonviolence, and justice and he's right. And, he instills hope that indeed, with hard work, every individual's efforts matter and that we can do far better than we have in bringing animals into a human-dominated world and peacefully coexisting with them. Indeed, it's a win-win situation for all involved. Thank you, Kim, for writing this book. My humble suggestion is to buy multiple copies,read and reread one, and share the others widely. - Marc Bekoff, author of The Emotional Lives of Animals, Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed: The Fascinating Science of Animal Intelligence, Emotions, Friendship, and Conservation, and editor of the Encyclopedia of Animal Rights and Animal Welfare and Ignoring Nature No More: The Case for Compassionate Conservation

Growl is the autobiography of Kim Stallwood, one of the guiding lights of the Animal Rights Movement. It is an inside look at the awkward beginnings of a man searching to live authentically and his growth into one of the most powerful proponents of modern animal rights. Stallwood provides a behind-the-scenes look at the organizations and people at the forefront of the movement in Great Britain and the United States, and the ideas and social theory that developed along the way. It is a primer for anyone starting their own animal rights journey, and a homage to those who have changed the way people think about and treat of animals. But, most importantly, it is inspirational and informative for those who continue to make the world a more compassionate place for all living beings.

No one ever said that caring about animals was easy, especially in a world where society has a long way to go before animal cruelty is a thing of the past. Being struck by the plight of others and wanting to do something to help can be a lonely place. For anyone starting down this road afresh, Growl is the perfect companion.In his introduction, Stallwood declares this book the one he would have ‘loved’ to read when starting down the long and often confusing road of trying to make sense of man’s relationship with animals. Through his own experiences, the author navigates the complex web of thoughts, emotions, and motivations that can buffet those who want to make the world a better place for animals and thereby people. He lays bare personal flaws with engaging honesty. He crystallises what it means to care deeply for others of a different species as well as our own.Stallwood pours forty years of hard lessons into this synthesis of humane thought. Growl gives us a rare glimpse of life as one of the animal movement’s most enduring leaders.

If you are interested in animal protection, Growl is a genuine page turner. Stallwood provides a biographical account of British and US animal protection policy, based on his experience in the movement. Stallwood played a leading role at PETA in the US and BUAV in the UK and Growl tells the story of animal politics on both sides of the Atlantic through such key positions.What I particularly enjoyed is Stallwood’s biographical and reflective approach. I am sure all of us in the animal protection movement spend much time deliberating about how best to make the world a better place for animals. Growl is, in effect, a highly sophisticated account of such thoughts, imbued by professional experience and critical reflection, to produce not only a fascinating personal story but an overarching theory of change for animal protection.Stallwood argues for unity between animal rights activists and those that promote welfare. We should strive for the ideal of abolition but also accept the political reality of incremental change. Stallwood writes with authority based on his ringside seat during a key time in animal protection as well as his extensive knowledge of other social justice movements.In summary, Growl is both very enjoyable and highly informative. There is much to learn in Growl and I now recommend it to my students in human animal studies. Growl conveys a genuine wisdom in combining Stallwood’s personal experience and avid reading in animal rights in the pursuit of a much better world for our fellow creatures.

Anyone with an interest in the animal rights/welfare movement (in fact any form of activism) from the 1970’s to the current day will find this remarkable book a compelling read.At times amusing, frustrating, occasionally preachy but most of all intensely thought provoking, the author provides a valuable insight to what sparked his lifelong campaign for animals, how the activism movement progressed and modernised, the challenges it faced how he and a generation took on the ‘establishment’ and the lessons he learnt from all of that.Most importantly, the book makes the reader think hard about humanities violence not only animals, but people too.The author offers four principles if we are going to progress: Compassion, nonviolence, justice and truth.You will finish the book thinking a lot about the four principles and how you apply them to yourself, others and our planet we inhabit. No doubt, you’ll pick up the book again and reread chapters and quotes, laugh again and smile, and perhaps get a little angry about just how much there is to be done if we really want to live in a compassionate society and disagree at times with the author. That’s probably the point; read the book and growl.

Kim takes us on his journey into veganism and animal rights and his working life with some of the most influential organisations in the UK and the US. His growth throughout this time and his experience he shares in this inspiring and eye opening book. For all animal rights activists this is a really important book as it defines the direction of the movement based on what has and hasn't worked in the past. A must read!

A bit of a struggle at times but some excellent points made. I must admit that the most engaging bits were those with an autobiographical focus. I very much agree with his view of the characteristics animal advocates must show to create effective change but I'm not left with the sense of a breakthrough bold strategy that I was hoping for.

Hurrah for Kim Stallwood. I was already a vegan and supporter of a few animal rights & conservation charities but this book has inspired me that I need to do MORE. I will certainly be taking more of an active role in this from now on so thank you Kim.