Expert: Edward Bode - 10/29/2005

Question
Hello Mr Edward!

"Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth."

I wrote this passage from the Bible because i'd like to ask you about the animals and the way they are treated by people. I'm not thinking about pets that people have at home and sometimes, unfortunately, treat them very cruelly. My question is broader and applies to eating animals. I'm thinking about slaughterhouses and many other places where animals are kept and very often inhumanly treated by people. My question is, do we have the right, reflecting upon the above passage from the Bible, to do such things with animals because God gave us dominion over them. I know that we can eat animal meat and maybe there is nothing wrong with it, but the procedure of killing animals is performed on such a big scale that sometimes i can't imagine it myself. There are also many other companies which produce cosmetics or medicines, killing at the same time animals, to improve their products. I'm just wondering is it all right because, once again, we have dominion over these creatures? What's your attitude, the attitude of the church and the Bible? How do you think!?
thank you!

Answer
You have stated the basic Catholic principles that mankind has the right to use animals for its benefit and that mankind must treat animals with respect and so refrain from cruelty.
I do not know of any specific official Catholic documents that specify details.  
The bible speaks of humane treatment of animals, for example, not muzzling the ox that tramples out the grain.
I did a Google search and found so many references that they were overwhelming.  I also checked the US bishops site but found nothing there of relevance.
I do believe that all people and businesses, including slaughter houses, have the obligation to treat animals humanely.
I am sorry, Luke, that I cannot be of more help on this issue.
Best wishes.