Our Dumb Animals was an American animal welfare magazine published from 1868 to 1970 by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; it was founded and edited by George T. Angell, the founder of the society.

History

The magazine was first published in 1868 and remained in publication until 1970. For the first issue, over 200,000 copies were distributed, with Boston police officers distributing 25,000 of them. Free copies were delivered to newspaper editors, legislators, clergy, and teachers. The magazine had an annual fee of US$0.50 and was published monthly. The use of the word "dumb" in its title was not intended to disparage non-human animals, but to refer to their lack of capacity for speech; the motto "We Speak For Those Who Cannot Speak For Themselves" was printed on every cover.

Content

Its content included news about the organization's activities and members, news of pending legislation, humane education in the form of essays and fiction ("animal morality tales") and reports on animal cruelty, which was contrasted with the virtues of the animals being harmed, such as their intelligence and faithfulness.

Legacy

The magazine is considered important in the development of the early animal advocacy movement.