Animals are part of the
cycle of life, Samsara.
The first precept, not to
harm any living thing
applies to animals.
Christianity
God created the world and put humans in charge
Stewardship
Responsibility
Hinduism
Sanctity of all life
- all living things in
the cycle of birth,
death and rebirth
as the soul is
reborn so humans
have a duty to
protect animals.
Islam
The world belongs to Allah and
so humans must care for
animals and treat them with
respect.
Animals for food
Vegetarianism
Why are some people
vegetarians or vegans?
Many Buddhists, Hindus
and Sikhs are
vegetarian - why is this?
Muslims and Jews have
food laws which tell
them which animals they
may eat and how to kill
them (Halal and
Kosher). There are no
specific religious
teachings for Christians.
Factory farming
Animals being kept in a
confined space.
Free-range farming
Animals are allowed to
roam freely.
Slaughter and
transport of animals
How should this be
done? THINK Halal for
Muslims.
Leisure
Pets
Most Muslims do not
have pets as animals
must not be kept in
limited spaces BUT can
keep working dogs for
hunting or guarding their
home. ALL faiths except
humane treatment of
animals.
Transport and work
Animals used to transport people and goods, use of guide
dogs and sniffer dogs. Religious views state that animals
must be cared for, not beaten or overworked. The use of
animals for therapeutic (healing) effect is supported.
Sport
Should we use animals in
hunting and bullfighting?
Should greyhound and
pigeon racing remain legal?
Animal experiments
Testing for cosmetic or
medicinal purposes
Genetic modification
Cloning
Creating an organism that is the exact
genetic copy of another. BUT thousands of
animal embryos are destroyed while trying
to clone them.
Religious Views
Some are against genetic modification and cloning as they think scientists are 'playing
God' and interfering with nature. Other may say it is ok if they help to save lives.