Catholic view on killing animals

[Tannhauser]

for food?

for no specific reason, or because it freaks us out (e.g., if we kill an insect or a bug… is that a sin?)

 

[504Katrin]

The way I been brought up you don´t kill or harm any living being, thus I don´t eat no animals and I respect them as much as anyone. Thing is that the bible says we shall “use” animals and eat them as God has made them for us. Here´s where I don´t fully follow what the bible tells us.

 

[Sebastion]

Here is part of a reply that I am copying from a former post. This is from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image. Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives (CCC 2417).

It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons (CCC 2418).

I am a hunter and enjoy hunting. I can honestly say that I don’t really enjoy killing an animal but I do not regret when I do, as long as it was done in a manner in which the animal’s suffering was very little or prefereably none at all. I hunt first of all because I enjoy being out in God’s nature and watching His creation. Secondly I hunt for meat. Lastly I hunt predators to keep their populations in check because we are a predators only “predator” and if their numbers become too large, most of the other animal populations will decline. I have respect for all animals, especially the ones that I hunt.

 

[504Katrin]

there´s also Francis of Assisi tho if I may mention him as he was the first Saint I was introduced to as a kid by my parents. He´s kind of the patron Saint of all animals, and we prayed to him often.

 

[Catholic90]

for food?

for no specific reason, or because it freaks us out (e.g., if we kill an insect or a bug… is that a sin?)

Killing for food - not a sin. Besides, if God had not meant for us to eat animals, he would not have made them so tasty!

For freaking me out - not a sin. That mosquito was sent by Satan to annoy me; therefore, by slapping a mosquito, I feel I am slapping Satan.

 

[brb3]

God has no problem with our taking animals for food and clothing purposes. Just don’t sacrifice them any more … as the Jews we’re once TOLD TO DO, before the Lamb of God died on Cross.

God also sent the Hebrews quail in desert for their food. He also sent vision to Peter, that no food is now considered unclean.

Mercy killing of a sick or dieing animal is OK. But, not allowed for the elderly or dieing humans … as some European countries now allow.

God in Genesis gave man dominion over the Animals … Jesus didn’t rescind that in the NT. All Christ’s teachings had to do with Human conduct. But, … man is to take good, care of the animals. Appropriate food, water, rest, and shelter for them is expected … per OT scriptures.

 

[I_R]

I have to kill squirrels at the request of my parents. apparently for the reason to stop them from living in our attic. would this count as a sin? I confessed this to a priest, and he told me its ok because im protecting the household, but i would like a second opinion.

also, my parents ask me to kill a (possibly feral) cat because it antagonizes our cats. But, this is something i cant do because i fear it might belong to someone in another block. i would assume this would be a sin because i dont know for sure and i should not act in dough

 

[bearer]

I have to kill squirrels at the request of my parents. apparently for the reason to stop them from living in our attic. would this count as a sin? I confessed this to a priest, and he told me its ok because im protecting the household, but i would like a second opinion.

If the priest answered your question, and yet you still have doubts, it sounds like an issue of conscience. No, it’s a not a sin, but if it makes you feel bad, than it might be best to talk to your parents about your feelings.

Having said that, you should honor your father and mother and protect the home that they have provided your family through God’s grace, unless they excuse you from doing so.

also, my parents ask me to kill a (possibly feral) cat because it antagonizes our cats. But, this is something i cant do because i fear it might belong to someone in another block. i would assume this would be a sin because i dont know for sure and i should not act in dough

Although I stand by my statements above, this may, in fact, be illegal. Check your local and state laws. It might be better to use live traps so that you both protect your property and honor the law of the land. Or call animal control or hire a pest-control expert, if possible.

 

[puzzleannie]

for food?

for no specific reason, or because it freaks us out (e.g., if we kill an insect or a bug… is that a sin?)

there is no such Catholic teaching beyond what the bible says, everything edible in the world, including animals, is given to humans for food, and we are to exercise stewardship over all creation. Have you seen some legit Catholic source that claims killing a bug is a sin?

For freaking me out - not a sin. That mosquito was sent by Satan to annoy me; therefore, by slapping a mosquito, I feel I am slapping Satan.

neither is this Catholic teaching. God created all that is and all that lives. Satan created nothing.

 

[m134e5]

for food?

for no specific reason, or because it freaks us out (e.g., if we kill an insect or a bug… is that a sin?)

If someone kills or tortures animals because they like watching them squirm and hearing them squeal (in a similar way to how people would react under the same circumstances), I think it’s a sin. The person enjoys watching them suffer because it helps them fantasize more realistically about human suffering. Killing animals for food, clothing, or because they are pests and are in the way is not a sin.

 

[Debra_C]

for food?

for no specific reason, or because it freaks us out (e.g., if we kill an insect or a bug… is that a sin?)

Killing animals for food is ok. I have to say, however, that I find the extreme waste levels in our industrialized version of killing for food abhorrent. I don’t think it is good stewardship of that which was given us as a gift (as so many have mentioned from the OT) and left in our care. Such gifts demand we take up some responsibility, I think.

For no reason? I wouldn’t think killing anything for no reason at all is a good thing. Because it freaks us out? I’m not sure that is really good enough reason, either. However, if it is an invader in your home or poses some sort of real threat to health and happiness (such as a wasp nest in your living room or an invasion of ants or other pests in your house) then you have a good reason. I prefer to have nuisance animals (such as a band of wild raccoons tipping over your trash cans nightly to forage) trapped and removed, but if they are causing problems (especially if they are dangerous), that could be reason enough as well. Again, it comes back to the idea of good stewardship–care and responsibility for the gift we have been given–in my mind. So, you know… try to apply common sense with that concept in mind and you should be ok.

 

[Evan]

There are some animals that have not been brought up.

Is using pesticides killing animals for food. The pesticide allows us to grow fruits, veggies, etc.

Is using antibiotics to stave off an infection allowed? Are these little lives just as precious to God as bugs, birds, dinosaurs, and dogs?

Is killing weeds allowed? weeds are living things. Plants. What is so special about animals? God created all life and gave us dominion over it.

 

[Debra_C]

Exactly, Evan. God gave us dominion over the earth. As long as we are using those resources reasonably and responsibly without being cruel and wasteful, we are in keeping with Biblical teaching on this matter. Therefore I would conclude it is, of course, fine to rid your garden of pests that threaten your crops, but probably not a wise thing to try to eliminate all insects that could potentially damage crops globally.