UCL Press The Hand that Feeds: The Complex Relations of Human–Animal Feeding

Whether driven by affection or necessity, our feeding practices redefine the relationships between species; sometimes with profound and unexpected consequences. Feeding animals is never a neutral act--whether in zoos, farms, backyards, or city streets, it shapes relationships, environments, and even entire ecosystems. The Hand that Feeds takes a deeper look into the complex and often-overlooked dynamics of human-animal feeding, moving beyond its utilitarian functions to explore the emotional, ethical, and ecological entanglements it creates. Through case studies spanning history to the present, this work discloses how feeding alters animal behaviors and reflects broader cultural and moral values. Why do we nurture some animals while exterminating others? How do feeding practices blur the lines between wild and domesticated life? What happens when acts of care lead to unintended harm? Addressing everything from garden bird feeders to contested urban wildlife policies, the authors illuminate the deep significance of food in human-animal interactions. An invigorating read for scholars in environmental studies, anthropology, and history, The Hand that Feeds challenges us to reconsider the act of feeding as a powerful force in shaping multispecies worlds.