437 TREATMENT OF ANIMALS

YOUCAT Lesson 437

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

437  How should we treat animals?

Animals are our fellow creatures, which we should care for and in which we should delight, just as God delights in their existence.  [2416-2418, 2456-2457]

"Ruby throated humming bird" by Steve Maslowski - Cropped from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Digital Library System.  I feed a family of hummers every summer at Rhinelander.  The food I give is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.  It is not necessary to color the water, in fact, some say that food coloring may be harmful to humming birds.--Don L. Bragg …..437

Animals, too, are sentient creatures of God.  It is a sin to torture them, to allow them to suffer, or to kill them uselessly.  Nevertheless, man may not place love of animals above love of man.

“You are rightly committed to protecting the environment, plants, and animals.  Say Yes even more decisively to human life, which in the hierarchy of creatures ranks far higher than all other created realities of the visible world.”  Pope John Paul II (1920-2005, September 8, 1985

[2416-2418, 2456-2457]

Respect for the integrity of creation

2416 Animals are God's creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory.  Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals. --Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition

2417 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

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. –CCC

IN BRIEF

2456 The dominion granted by the Creator over the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be separated from respect for moral obligations, including those toward generations to come. –CCC

2457 Animals are entrusted to man's stewardship; he must show them kindness. They may be used to serve the just satisfaction of man's needs. –CCC