China does have a tradition of compassion for nonhumans. So the daunting question is: what went so awry that in the name of economic development, both farm and wild animals are now being treated ruthlessly, even as they're being driven to the brink of extinction? What is the root cause of the animal welfare crisis, especially in mainland China?

The exiled spiritual leader of Tibet says he thanked Prime Minister Stephen Harper for "standing firm" and having the "courage" to meet h...

Two young women are unfolding a blanket, preparing to enjoy the warm afternoon rays. They reach into their bags, search a few moments, and pull out -- what? An iPod? iPad? iPhone? Laptop? No, to my surprise each reaches into her bag and pulls out a paperback book and begins to read.