Speakers Bureau: “The Queen’s Critters: Victorian Era Influence on Mississippi Animals

Andi Lehman presents: “The Queen’s Critters: Victorian Era Influence on Mississippi Animals”

Few people realize the huge influence of the Victorian Age and Queen Victoria on our view and treatment of animals in Mississippi and across the United States. The Queen’s Critters: Victorian Era Influence on Mississippi Animals explains how Victorian reformers ushered in a new way of looking at animals as companions and not just as beasts of burden or commodities (without implying there is anything wrong with either of those services to humanity.)

As Queen Victoria, Andi will explain how the Queen’s love for animals and her royal support helped shape the domestic destiny of animals on both sides of the Atlantic and present a quick overview of the Victorian laws passed in England and review the history of our current laws that govern animal rights in MS.

She will introduce several species that were popular as pets in Victorian times and some additional species that are popular today, including a rabbit, a common rat, a working therapy dog, a talking bird, and two reptiles. This presentation of the history of animal welfare and advocacy from England to Mississippi is educational and fun and engages both adults and children in a positive look at life with animals in our state.