Should all slaughterhouses be abolished? Is there anything wrong with getting a dog? Is it right to test medications on mice? Opinions on the proper treatment of animals vary widely. The reasons for these differing positions are examined by a distinct philosophical discipline: animal ethics. In this accessible introduction, philosopher Friederike Schmitz outlines the recent developments in the debate and explains the arguments surrounding the most important practical questions. The book is the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to systematically and ethically engage with our treatment of animals.