Laurids Smith

Laurids Smith (12 April 1754 – 22 March 1794), also known as Lauritz Smith, was a Danish clergyman, philosopher and early animal rights writer. He was Scandinavia's first known advocate of humane treatment of animals.

Biography

Smith was born in Copenhagen. He was educated at Metropolitan School in 1772 and became teacher of philosophy and science at the Land Cadet Academy (1780 also at the Academy of Sciences) and in 1779 was awarded the title of Doctor of Philosophy.

In 1775, he co-founded the Danish Literary Society and during 1778-1880 was co-publisher of the General Danish Library. He was an opponent of vivisection and described it as "the most cruel injustice towards the animal". The stewardship of animals therefore entails responsibility for humans since they have deprived animals of their freedom and this makes it vital that animals are treated well. Smith believed that animals could be eaten for food but not exploited beyond basic needs. In 1791, Smith authored a book on the nature of animals and human duties towards them. The purpose was to bring "alleviation to the brute creation which is groaning under its sufferings". Smith was influenced by a 1711 work by Adam Gottlieb Weigen, another early animal rights writer.

A monument in his honour is located at Holmen Church cemetery in Copenhagen.

Selected publications Versuch eines vollständigen Lehrgebäudes der Natur und Bestimmung der Thiere und der Pflichten des Menschen gegen die Thiere (second edition, 1793) [Attempted Systematic Treatise on the Obligations of Humans Toward Animals] Forsøg til en Fuldstændig Lærebygning om Dyrenes Natur og Bestemmelse og Menneskets Pligter mod Dyrene (1800) [Essay of a Complete Doctrine of the Nature and Destination of Animals and Man’s Duties Towards Animals]