Ruth Harrison

Ruth Harrison 1965

Ruth Harrison (1920–2000) was a British animal welfare advocate and author, best known for her influential book Animal Machines, published in 1964. The book was a pioneering study that critiqued the conditions of animals in intensive farming, leading to significant public and legislative attention towards animal welfare issues in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Early Life

Ruth Harrison was born in 1920 in London, England. Details about her early life and education are sparse, but it is known that her concern for animals began at a young age, eventually shaping her career and advocacy work.

Career

Harrison's career took a decisive turn with the publication of Animal Machines. The book detailed the state of animal husbandry practices, particularly focusing on the then-emerging trend of intensive farming systems. She described how animals were kept in cramped conditions, often without access to natural light or sufficient space to move, leading to significant suffering.

Animal Machines had a profound impact on public opinion and is credited with initiating the modern animal welfare movement. The outcry following its publication led to the establishment of the Brambell Committee, which was tasked by the UK government to investigate the welfare of farm animals. The committee's report, published in 1965, laid down the principles that animals should have the freedom to stand up, lie down, turn around, groom themselves, and stretch their limbs, a concept that later evolved into the Five Freedoms of animal welfare.

Following the publication of her book and the subsequent legislative interest in animal welfare, Harrison continued to work tirelessly for the cause. She was involved in various animal welfare organizations and campaigns, advocating for better living conditions for farm animals across Europe.

Legacy

Ruth Harrison's work had a lasting impact on the field of animal welfare. Her advocacy and the subsequent changes in public policy helped to improve the lives of millions of farm animals. She is remembered as a pioneer in the animal welfare movement, and her book Animal Machines remains a key text in the field.

In recognition of her contributions, several awards and scholarships in the field of animal welfare have been named in her honor, supporting ongoing research and advocacy in the area.

Death

Ruth Harrison passed away in 2000, but her legacy continues through the ongoing efforts of animal welfare organizations and advocates worldwide.

See Also

• Animal welfare
• Intensive farming
• Brambell Report