Animals are used by humans in a myriad of ways such as companion animals, scientific subjects, sources of entertainment, subjects for conservation, and food. We have strong feelings about these uses, but how well founded are our reactions? Why are we uncomfortable eating horse, but happy to eat squid? How should cages and pens be designed? Are chickens likely to be "happier" in free range yards than indoor boxes? How do we apply the "Five freedoms" demanded by EU law, and should we? In this talk by Professor Nicola Marples of the Department of Zoology, TCD, which will be largely a guided discussion, we will explore some of the assumptions and scratch the surface of some of the controversies.