Missionaries of the Sacred

Animal Rights

Frequently we see on television advertisements for adopting abandoned dogs and cats. I remember in Mexico and Guatemala seeing many dogs in the streets which were abandoned. While the dogs do no harm to humans—in fact they most often are afraid of them—they join packs and fight among themselves. Weak and emaciated dogs struggling for survival are frequently attacked viciously by other dogs. A dog may experience its whole life from birth to death in the streets.

In 1929, under the auspices of Cardinal Bourne, the Catholic Study Circle for Animal Welfare was formed. This was the firstCatholic organization to express concern for the welfare of animals. Today it is known as the Catholic Concern for Animals (CCA).¹ It

exists to influence the Christian Church and, ultimately the wider society, into adopting a more just, understanding and compassionate attitude towards the animal creation. We research and disseminate authentic teachings of the Catholic Tradition, and of other religious beliefs, to help bring about a way of living in accordance with the Creator’s design. We support and encourage those working towards these aims.²

The CCA gives testimony to the sacramental character of creation. It affirms that the whole of creation is good, and that we are called by God to be stewards of God’s creation. While we affirm the superior dignity and worth of the human being, we cannot lose sight of the fact that

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.³

This does not mean, however, that as stewards we cannot use animals for clothing and nourishment. Animals may be trained for labor and as companions. Additionally, animals may be used for experimentation to care for and save human beings; however, this experimentation must be within the ethical norms of reason.⁴ Surely it “is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly.”⁵ St. Thomas Aquinas adds that our pity and care for animals is an action that motivates humans to pity and care for one another. The actions that we take toward all life need to be consistent across the board and reflect a Christian ethic of care and respect for what God has made.