What's the Catholic View On Animal Abuse?

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catolico30

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Hi,

Would you please give me some resources to find out what the church teaches about animal abuse and animal rights.

While discussing this issue with my friend, he point out that men have control over all animals. I agree with this. However, I told him that we all have a moral code printed in our hearts that tells us what’s wrong and what’s right. In my case, I find it very wrong to kick a cat or a dog for fun, and with the mere intention to injure him. Or kill animals for their skin to satisfy vain fashion styles.

I would appreaciate some help on this issue.
 
The Catechism may be of some help:
2416 Animals are God’s creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory.197 Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals.
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2417 God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image.198 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.
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2418 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.
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vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a7.htm
 
Oh wonderful! You are most welcome - I am glad they were useful to you. 🙂
 
catolico30 said:
Hi,

Would you please give me some resources to find out what the church teaches about animal abuse and animal rights.

While discussing this issue with my friend, he point out that men have control over all animals. I agree with this. However, I told him that we all have a moral code printed in our hearts that tells us what’s wrong and what’s right. In my case, I find it very wrong to kick a cat or a dog for fun, and with the mere intention to injure him. Or kill animals for their skin to satisfy vain fashion styles.

I would appreaciate some help on this issue.
Click to expand...
I agree completely. Animal cruelty is intolerable. I recall reading JP2’s views on animal life. He promoted responsible human interaction with animals, but reminded us that animals are not human and shouldn’t be given equal priority. :twocents:
 
My Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Would you please join me in offering up prayers for all abused, neglected and unloved animals everywhere? God created animals and He loves them as He loves us. I know that when God looks down and sees all the abuse innocent animals suffer at the hands of mankind He weeps for them. Just because God intended us to be able to eat certain animals for food does not mean He intended for us to be cruel and vicious to any of them.

Our Catholic faith instructs us that God has entrusted us as the stewards of His Creation and we are to care for it and treat it with dignity and respect: “We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals.” (Take from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2416-2418).

So many innocent animals suffer fates that are more horrible than outright death and it is not right, and I know in my heart that God is very displeased with this.
How would any of us feel if we were starved, locked away without water or shelter, beaten daily, fought without mercy or abandoned to try to make it on our own?
This what so many animals go through everyday, and as children of God we should feel great compassion for them and a great desire to want to help in any way we can. Prayers are definitely a great way to help and so I ask you to please agree with me in prayer for these innocent victims. Let us also request the intercessions of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Philip Neri in our prayers. Please ask God to help their suffering to end and that He will guide them all to loving, caring families that will take care of them properly.
Prayers for animals do not go unanswered. Please take a minute to remember them in your hearts and in your prayers. After all…they are God’s creatures too.

“THE RAINBOW BRIDGE POEM”
(For all animals who have passed away)

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…
 
catolico30: There is a group called Catholic Concern for Animals and the ARK. It is based out of England but now has an office in the US. The United States coordinator is a CAF member. Her ID here is mercifulJan. Here is a link to the web site: Check it out: all-creatures.org/ca/
 
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