What are some of the key landmarks or examples in this alternative history of animal liberation?
The landmarks are the same as those of a naïve history of animal liberation but we have to look at them a little more carefully. I think an interesting case is the Puritans in England who in 1654 issued the Protectorate Ordinance, the first legislation in Europe against cruelty to animals. The law was passed during the radical stage of the English Civil War as part of the Puritan program to reform “mankind” and establish a godly republic on earth. It was part of a widespread attack on popular recreations—such as dancing round the maypole—which were believed to distract the lower classes from their main duties to be sober and Godfearing. The Ordinance outlawed cock-throwing and cockfighting. In cock-throwing, a cock is tied to a rope and hit with stones and other objects until it dies. Other so-called “blood sports” of the age include bull-baiting and bull-running. Bull-baiting is similar to cock-throwing. Bull-running involved the entire community. Is the running of the bulls in Pamplo
