Introduction
Introduction
These are heady days for animal rights activists. From its humble beginnings just over 20 years ago, the movement has grown tremendously, both in size and importance. Public opinion polls show broad support for parts of the animal rights agenda, including the movement's campaigns against wearing fur, eating veal or using animals to test cosmetics and other consumer products. But while many Americans sympathize with the animal rights movement, most people still eat at least some meat and most believe in the necessity of using animals for biomedical research. The movement's successes also have prompted medical researchers, AIDS activists, farmers and others to devote more time and resources to countering animal rights activists.