use of animals theme b

What is Animal Experimentation?

The use of animals for medical research and product testing.

What is Medical Research?

Developing lifesaving drugs and vaccines.

What is Product Testing?

Testing ingredients used in cosmetic products.

Quote from Genesis about dominion over animals?

They may rule over all the creatures (Genesis, The Bible).

Quote from the Hadith about stewardship?

God has made you His stewards (Hadith).

Quote from the Qur’an about creatures?

All creatures are communities (Qur’an).

Quote from Pope Francis about creation?

Let us be protectors of creation (Pope Francis).

Quote from the Qur’an about animals for food?

God has made grazing animals upon which you ride and some of them you eat (Qur’an).

Christianity – how does the Bible support use of animals?

‘They may rule over all the creatures’ (Genesis). Christians believe that God has given humans dominion over animals. This means we can use animals that are advantageous to us – e.g. as food or in animal experiments. The Catechism teaches Catholics that ‘God created everything for man’. St Augustine taught that ‘both animal life and death is subject to our use’.

Islam – how does the Qur’an support use of animals?

‘God has made grazing animals upon which you ride and some of them you eat’ (Qur’an). Muslims believe that God has allowed for certain animals to be used by humans – e.g. as food (‘halal’) – in ways that are advantageous to us.

Christianity – how do Christians oppose animal use?

‘Let us be protectors of creation’ (Pope Francis). Christians believe that God has appointed them to be stewards of creation. This means that they should look after animals. They would not allow unnecessary harm to be caused to animals. For example, certain methods of farming (e.g. factory farming) and certain types of animal experimentation – e.g. cosmetic testing.

Islam – how do Muslims oppose animal use?

‘All creatures are communities like yourselves’ (Qur’an). Muslims believe that animals are part of God’s creation and must be cared for. This means that they should be used responsibly. For example, animals should only be used in testing if absolutely necessary. The Hadith teaches ‘actions are judged by intentions’.