Christian views: God created the world including animals. They
put humans in charge however they have a duty to care for all of
God's creations.
General information: God created the world and it is
humankinds responsibility to look after it.
Muslim views: The world belongs to its creator and He appointed
humans as trustees to look after it including animals. They do
have rules about food as they do not eat pork as it is uncleanand
and meat must be killed in a certain way which is known as halal.
Useful animals
General information: Dogs can be useful in their guidance- blind and deaf
dogs. They can also be used as sniffer dogs in the police and huskies are
used to pull sleds in snowy countries. Donkeys and horses can be used as
transport and animals can also be used for therapy for a number of
illnesses. They can be used to help in farming and a big role for animals is
having animals as pets.
Muslim views: Working animals must not be beaten and should
be well fed and watered. They must not be kept in limited spaces
nor trained to perform eg a circus.
Christian views: Animals can be used
to help humans providing they are
adequately cared for.
Animals for food and should we eat meat?
General information: The food industry benefits largely so typically in Britain
it is a norm to eat meat. Animals have a dignity and the same rights as
humans. 90% of people in the UK are meat eaters. Factory Farming is a
method of raising animals intensively- large numbers in very small cages.
They will often be drugged to ensure they produce more. Free range farming
is a method of rasing animals so that they can roam free and have some form
of quality of life.
Christian views: They do not teach to avoid
eating meat but due to the story of Noah's Ark,
it is believed that animals should be treated
with respect. They believe that animals were
created by God as a food source for humans.
Muslim views: They have food laws which detail
which animals they can and cant eat. They will only
eat halal meat which has been prepared in a
special, humane way.
Animals in sport
General information: Animals are often used in sport e.g.
horseracing. Animals can be used for fox hunting, jousting and
show jumping. Often the animals are bred specifically for this.
Muslim views: Animals have
feelings. animals can be
hunted for food but not for
sport. Allah would hold
people accountable for the
killing of animals for not real
gain.
Christian views: Some people believe hunting is justifiable as we were
given dominion over the animals, however others are completely against
it as we were given stewardship and so should take care of all of God's
creations.
Animal experiments
General information: Animal are often tested on so that products can benefit humans.
Genetic modification- animals have had their genetic makeup altered for some reason.
Cloning- falsely creating another animal that is a mirror image of the original. You can test
animals for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Cosmetic purposes would include make up
soaps etc. Medicinal is oftern used so that animals are tested for drugs before they are
trialled on humans.
Muslim views: Animals have had legal rights since the 13th century. Cagin animals
is forbidden but they can use animals to find cures for diseases providing the
suffering is minimal. Allah has entrusted us with maintaining his creations.
Christian views: Humans are made more superior id you believe in
dominion- we have control over animals. They believe that animal
are special to God. They accept limited testing on animals to find
cures for diseases. (Luke 12:6)