Filling the Ark

"Irvine uses natural disasters as a springboard for discussion of the ethics of our relationships with animals.... This is a deeply felt and carefully thought out book, which will be of interest to anyone interested in animals and disasters, either together or separately." —Natural Hazards Observer

"The author illustrates that humans are not the only victims in disasters and are often at fault for the perils animals suffer. She argues that it is our own decisions and actions that 'make animals so vulnerable to disasters' and offers advice on the multiple ways animals may be made less vulnerable, not the least of which is to rethink 'our uses of animals.'" —Animal Welfare Institute Quarterly

"As Irvine argues, we have a responsibility to minimize the vulnerability of animals within our care and those that can be affected by our actions.... Aimed at general readers and those interested in animal-human interaction, this book serves as a reminder that disasters put more than human life at stake." —Contemporary Sociology

"Irvine’s book underlines, and sheds new light on, our complex and ambivalent relationships with other animals, or the rest of the natural world.... Filling the Ark is a fascinating account of the heroic efforts made by people in animal rescue organisations (sic) to help reduce loss of life.... In taking us through details of how disasters or their aftermath can cause animal suffering and death, Irvine does not flinch from naming the extent of the problems and cover-ups. It is not just the disaster itself, but also social and cultural consequences, which impact animals." —Humanimalia

"(A) first-hand account primarily of the animals, but also the people, involved in disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, from both a companion animal and a laboratory animal perspective.... Rather than merely planning for the future of what to do when a nightmare unfolds, (Irvine) encourages us to make animals less vulnerable here and now.... This is a book that should be read by many throughout fields as diverse as veterinary medicine, social science, and public policy." —Anthrozoos