Envisioning a Better Future for Nonhuman Animals: An Interview with the Author
Vienna Animal Studies- Mar 24
- 4 min read
On the 12th of March 2025 Dr Doris Schneeberger discussed her recently published book Envisioning a Better Future for Nonhuman Animals. The lecture, the first in our "Summer Lecture Series," grappled with questions of sustainability, animal rights, and visions of multispecies futures. For those of you who missed the talk we thought we would catch up with Doris once again to learn more about her book. Here is what she had to say:
What motivated you to write Envisioning a Future for Non-Human Animals?
I was motivated by the fundamental question: Should nonhuman animals have rights, and if so, which ones? While human rights are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, animals remain largely excluded from legal protections that recognize their intrinsic value. My book explores this ethical and philosophical gap by integrating perspectives from animal ethics, political philosophy, and law to envision a future where animals are seen not merely as resources but as individuals with rights. The growing field of animal studies and the urgent need to address speciesism in institutions further fueled my motivation to write this book.
What is the key message you hope readers will take with them after reading your book?
I hope readers will come away with a deeper awareness of how speciesism shapes our societies, institutions, and moral frameworks. The book argues that nonhuman animals should not be treated as mere objects of human interest but as beings with intrinsic value, deserving of legal recognition and ethical consideration. By proposing a set of potential universal animal rights, I encourage readers to rethink their assumptions about human-animal relationships and consider how we can foster a more just and equitable world for all species.
When you talk about rights, what do you mean, and what kind of rights do you hope animals will have?
When I talk about animal rights, I refer to legal and moral entitlements that recognize animals as subjects of justice rather than mere property or resources. The book proposes species-specific rights that reflect the needs and interests of different animals—ranging from the right to life and freedom from unnecessary suffering to habitat protection and bodily autonomy. These rights are not about granting animals the same rights as humans but about ensuring their well-being and dignity within an ethical and legal framework that acknowledges their intrinsic worth.
There is growing awareness of nature’s rights. How is talking about a declaration of universal animal rights different from that?
The growing recognition of nature’s rights—such as legal personhood for rivers and ecosystems—acknowledges the importance of protecting the environment. However, a Declaration of Universal Animal Rights focuses on the interests of individual sentient beings, not just ecological systems. Unlike ecosystems, animals experience suffering, have preferences, and form social relationships.
While both concepts challenge anthropocentric legal frameworks, animal rights require a more specific, ethical, and justice-based approach that ensures animals are seen as rights-holders, not just as part of a broader environmental system.
You are a researcher in business ethics and organizational change. How is this book connected to those themes?
This book is deeply connected to my research in business ethics and organizational change, particularly in examining how speciesism manifests in organizations and institutions. Businesses, governments, and global institutions play a significant role in shaping human-animal relationships—whether through industrial farming, wildlife trade, or corporate sustainability initiatives. The book highlights how organizations can rethink their ethical responsibilities towards nonhuman animals and integrate anti-speciesist perspectives into decision-making processes. By bridging animal ethics with diverse other academic fields, the book aims to contribute to a shift in how businesses and institutions engage with nonhuman animals.
What other books or journal articles should people interested in this topic read and why?
For readers interested in exploring the intersection of animal ethics, law, and organizational studies, I recommend:
Sue Donaldson & Will Kymlicka – Zoopolis: A Political Theory of Animal Rights: This book provides a political framework for animal rights, advocating for different categories of citizenship for animals.
Eva Meijer – When Animals Speak: Toward an Interspecies Democracy: Meijer explores the idea of nonhuman political participation and challenges the assumption that only humans engage in democracy.
Oscar Horta – Making a Stand for Animals: A Guide to Effective Advocacy: This book is useful for those interested in how to implement effective animal rights advocacy strategies.
Journal Articles on Critical Animal Studies and Business Ethics: I recommend looking into articles in journals like Society & Animals and Journal of Business Ethics, which explore ethical challenges in human-animal interactions.
Is there anything else you would like readers to know about?
I would like readers to reflect on the broader implications of animal rights beyond personal ethics. Recognizing nonhuman animals as rights-holders has profound consequences for law, politics, business, and education. My book is not only an academic contribution but also an invitation for readers from all disciplines and backgrounds to rethink their engagement with nonhuman animals.
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