When we talk about animal rights and animal testing, a heated discussion quickly arises. That is not surprising, says Judaism because the psychic makeup of the human being in the lowest soul regions consists of a nefesh behamite (animal soul). We have a number of similarities with animals. That is why we care about the fate of the animals from which people can learn a lot. The protection of the animal is important, but people remain central.
Consumer society
Judaism sees consumer society as a sign of our selfish behavior. Eating food should be focused on human health, not because certain dishes are tasty. A healthy body is important to be able to perform religious acts. According to some people, animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease are a sign from Boven to consumer society.
Animal Rights and Human Duties in Judaism
Judaism has long had extensive regulations to protect animals. This arrangement can be found in the Torah. Animals are protected from cruelty and suffering. Moreover, humans have to take care of the animals’ well-being. Yet the Torah has no animal rights. Human duties are central.
Examples of laws are:
- ban on eating limbs cut off from live animals;
- animals must be fed enough to work (“Thou shalt not muzzle an ox when threshing” – Deuteronomy 25: 4);
- every seventh year (Shabbat year) animals must be able to eat from the fallow field (Exodus 23:11 and Leviticus 25: 2-7);
- a donkey should be relieved if it threatens to collapse, this also applies if the owner is an enemy (Exodus 23: 5). It follows that an animal should not be tormented.
Animals must be given adequate rest and treated in an animal-friendly manner
The Ten Commandments state that animals should be rested on the Sabbath: “Then you shall do no work, neither your ox, nor your ass, nor your rest of the cattle.” (Deuteronomy 5:14)
In Deuteronomy 11:15 state: “and I will give grass in your field for your cattle, that you may eat and be satisfied”. This means that one must first give the animals food before starting to eat themselves.
Man must imitate God in caring for Creation. The Jewish sage Nachmanides states that killing an animal is tantamount to murder, as long as the animal is not intended for man or for religion. Hunting animals as a sport is therefore strictly prohibited. The Dutch royal family should therefore stop this! Judaism is also against bull and cock fighting. Animals must also be released from their suffering as soon as possible, if necessary by death.
Ritual slaughter should be done with a razor-sharp knife so that the animal does not suffer pain. The arteries are quickly cut, causing the blood pressure in the brain to drop and the animal to become unconscious. It has been scientifically proven that the Jewish way of slaughtering is animal-friendly.
People are more important than animals: medical research is allowed / research for the cosmetic industry is not
Despite the protection of the animal, humans remain more important than animals. However, animal testing for the cosmetic industry is not allowed. However, much is allowed for medical research. Animal suffering must, however, remain limited.
It is required to use animals to save human life. For example, xenotransplantation with a pig heart is necessary.
However, humans may only use an animal, not abuse it. Dealing with animals must fit into God’s Plan of Creation.