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“Folks, I’m not an animal rights activist. I believe that animals were put on this earth for companionship and also for food and clothing. They were not put on earth for us to abuse them though.”

I agree. Growing up in a family of farmers, though, I have a real dilemma inside that is hard to keep in check.

On the one hand, I raise two different types of livestock, with 2 other types of livestock on the property, that I interact with, feed, etc. that are not my own, but live literally a stone throw from my door. These livestock breeds include cows, goats, rabbits and chickens.

Having said that, I am very protective of my animals. I would probably defend them with my life, if I had to. I have heard that in olden times, shepherds would lay in the gap/doorway of their animal pens, and literally guard their animals with their own life. I feel that way, though not quite to the same extent. I have stewardship over the animals I maintain, and I will provide and protect them, at the cost of my own comfort (but not necessarilly put my life in danger, the need has never come to that).

I believe that God gave us animals to be friends/companions as well as food/raiment. I don’t think that means just dogs and cats, I think it means many kinds of animals, though some are specifically vermin and plague mankind. In any event, a friend of mine needed to borrow a chicken to take to the fair so he could have a booth (the chickens are fine specimen show chickens). I really was worried for her welfare for the entire 2 days that she was gone (though this friend was the one who gave me the chicken, and knew to make sure she had company, etc.). She came back safely, and I felt real relief when i knew she’d be safe again, and not in danger. But, while I feel fondly towards the animals, I would have some remorse, but not much difficulty walking out and killing them for food, if the need arised. I have the understanding that I will care for them as if my life depended upon it, because they will give their lives if mine depends upon it. I treat them well, because they are good companions, and they will sacrifice their lives to spare mine, if there is ever no food to be found.

I’m not big on “animal cruelty” laws and such. Animals are private property, they are not people. Ultimately we will be accountable to our Maker for how we care for and treat His creations. We will answer directly to Him for that stewardship, and it’s not my place to get involved with the disposition of someone else’s property, nor for them to get involved in mine. I blame all the personification of animals in animated movies for this sense of animal superiority to man. Sharks are not vegetarians, birds and lions don’t play together, etc.

Like I said, I have a real dilemma, God granted us the freedom to private property and to make choices. I don’t think people have the right to tell one another how to handle animals, nor to criminalize how animals are treated. Yes, I believe that cruelty is wrong (though all definitions are subjective). Yes, I think that people may burn in hell for how they treat an animal (if they don’t repent). Yes, I know that animals abuse is an indicator in serial killers. No, I won’t patronize someone I know who abuses animals (or a company).

It’s complicated for me, and while I have strong feelings, at some point, people have to have the chance to learn on their own, without a criminal code for everything one person or another doesn’t like. I detest animal cruelty, but I still don’t think it should be a criminal issue. What I may define as abuse, someone else may not, and what I may accept as respectful treatment, someone else may not (though, that person would likeyl be a PETA-animal-worshipping whacko).