This radical book questions the very underpinnings of society's assumptions regarding animal rights. Penetrating to the heart of this topical issue, Michael Leahy discusses the equivocal bases of the rights of animals by focusing on the writings of prominent pro-liberation advocates. The theories offered by Singer, Regan and Midgley - that mammals are actually persons, with similar rationality and self-consciousness - are analysed in detail. Leahy proposes a re-interpretation of animal identity which takes into account many previously neglected philosophical arguments. Wittgenstein and his philosophies of language are given particular consideration. It is demonstrated that the way humans talk about animals is dangerously anthropomorphic and that animals themselves are actually incapable of language. Bloodsports, furs, zoos, experimentation and eating are among the topics treated by Leahy in an ethical and broadly philosophical context.