Is It Wrong to Harm or Kill an Animal Without a Good Reason?

The Bible teaches us that animals, like humans, are created by God, and they experience pain and suffering. Since God is the Creator of all things, He cares deeply about how we treat His creation, including animals.

Romans 8:22 –

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (NIV)

This verse highlights that the entire creation—animals, nature, and humanity—is affected by the brokenness of the world, as a result of sin. Just as we suffer, animals experience pain. Therefore, causing unnecessary harm to them contradicts God’s will to protect and care for His creation.

The Bible allows for two primary reasons why it might be necessary to kill or discipline an animal:

1. For Food or Essential Use

It is permissible to slaughter animals for food or when necessary for survival. This is not seen as sinful, as God provides animals for our sustenance. In the Old Testament, God gave specific instructions regarding the use of animals for food:

Deuteronomy 12:15 –

“Nevertheless, you may slaughter your animals in any of your towns and eat as much of the meat as you want, as if it were gazelle or deer, according to the blessing the Lord your God gives you.” (NIV)

Here, God provides a way for His people to use animals for food, and this practice is not sinful as long as it is done with respect for God’s creation. Similarly, trade and other necessary uses of animals for livelihood are also acceptable in God’s eyes.

2. For Protection or When Animals Cause Harm

The Bible also allows for the killing of animals when they pose a danger or cause harm. This can include wild animals or domestic animals that have become a threat. The Bible clearly lays out the principle of justice and protection in such cases:

Exodus 21:28-29 –

“If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must be stoned, and its owner also must be put to death. However, if the ox has had a habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox is to be stoned and the owner also is to be put to death.” (NIV)

In this case, an animal is held accountable for its actions, and its owner is responsible if they failed to prevent harm. This emphasizes the importance of justice in the treatment of animals, particularly when they endanger human life. Similarly, harmful pests such as snakes, rodents, and insects that spread disease can be removed or killed as a protective measure.

However, the Bible does not allow cruelty or unnecessary harm to animals. If an animal is not a threat, there is no justification for harming it.

Theological Insights: The Importance of Compassion for Animals

God’s creation includes both humans and animals, and He has made us stewards of the earth.

Genesis 1:26 says, “

Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” (NIV)

This verse emphasizes humanity’s role as stewards or caretakers of the earth. As stewards, we are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for God’s creation, which includes showing kindness and respect to animals.

Psalm 24:1 also reminds us, “

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (NIV)

God owns everything, including animals, and as humans, we are accountable to Him for how we treat them. This means that cruelty toward animals is not just an ethical issue; it is a theological one, as it goes against God’s command to care for His creation.

The Example of Balaam and His Donkey

In Numbers 22:21-29, we see an interesting story where Balaam’s donkey sees an angel of the Lord blocking the road. Balaam, not seeing the angel, strikes the donkey in frustration. God then opens the donkey’s mouth, and it asks Balaam why he is beating it. The Lord rebukes Balaam, showing that He does not condone the unnecessary suffering of animals.

Numbers 22:28 –

“Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?’” (NIV)

This story illustrates that even when we don’t understand why an animal behaves in a certain way, we should not resort to violence. God cares for all creatures, and He expects us to do the same. Balaam’s actions were unjust because the donkey had done nothing wrong.

A Blessing for Kindness to Animals

In addition to the prohibition against cruelty, the Bible also highlights the reward for showing kindness to animals. One notable example is found in Deuteronomy 22:6-7, where God instructs His people to show compassion to a bird by not taking the mother bird along with her young:

Deuteronomy 22:6-7 –

“If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother bird is sitting on them or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. Let the mother go, and take the young. Do this so that it may go well with you and you may live long.” (NIV)

This small act of mercy—allowing the mother bird to go free—comes with a promise of blessing and long life. This is an example of how God rewards those who treat animals with kindness.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that God cares for all of His creation, and we are called to be good stewards of it. While it is acceptable to use animals for food and protection, unnecessary harm or cruelty is not in line with God’s will. God wants us to show kindness and respect to His creatures, reflecting His love and compassion. When we treat animals well, we honor God as the Creator of all things.

Shalom.