C. W. Hume
British animal welfare activist and writer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Charles Westley Hume (13 January 1886 – 22 September 1981)[1] OBE MC BSc was a British animal welfare worker and writer. He was the founder of the University of London Animal Welfare Society (ULAWS).[2]
C. W. Hume | |
|---|---|
Hume in 1956 | |
| Born | Charles Westley Hume 13 January 1886 |
| Died | 22 September 1981 (aged 95) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Biography
Hume graduated in physics from Birkbeck College. He was honorary secretary of the British Science Guild and edited the journal Proceedings of the Physical Society (1919–1940).[3][4] He served in the Royal Engineers during World War 1 and the 47th Divisional Signals (Territorial Army) during World War 2.[4]
Hume founded the University of London Animal Welfare Society (ULAWS) in 1926, which later became the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW).[5] He has also been credited as the first to use the expression "animal welfare".[5] Through his efforts the first book on the care and management of laboratory animals was published by the UFAW in 1947.[6][7] Richard P. Haynes has suggested that "Hume should be credited as the father of the animal welfare movement".[5]
Hume's book Man and Beast (1962) explores the history, law, philosophy and theology underlying cruelty to animals.[8] A review noted that "these subjects are dealt with objectively and clearly, lightly yet seriously, tactfully yet persistently, especially in the factual and historical aspects."[8]
In 1956, Hume received the Schweitzer Medal for his contributions to animal welfare.[9] The Charles Hume Memorial Fund was set up in his honour.[7]