Thomas Young (animal welfare writer)

Thomas Young (1772 – 11 November 1835) was an English Anglican clergyman, theologian, educator, and writer.

The essay emphasised the sentience of animals and argued for their humane treatment, advocating both for their welfare and recognition of their natural rights.

Young combined moral reasoning with Christian teachings, asserting that humans have a duty to treat animals compassionately and to avoid unnecessary suffering.

[1] Young attended Hawkshead Grammar School in Lancashire, where he was a contemporary of William Wordsworth.

[3] Young was ordained as a deacon on 31 May 1801 and as a priest on 13 June 1802 by George Pretyman (later Tomline), Bishop of Lincoln.

[6] While Young criticises the mistreatment of animals in activities such as hunting and blood sports, he accepts the practice of scientific vivisection.