Defending an animal

[Ryan]

I was talking to my mom about a movie she saw where there were scenes of animal abuse (fake, obviously). She said that that was one of few reasons she could ever see herself killing someone.

I got to thinking and animal abuse is one of my hot topics also. I rarely lose composure but Lord help me if I see someone hurting an animal. Even compared to humans, I get flustered faster watching someone beat an animal than someone beating a human. Even though I value a humans life more, I can't stand watching them get hurt.

That raised the question in my mind, I know murder in defense is permissible, but is it considered murder as per the Bible if you are defending an animal?

[kmr]

Not necessarily... God does value animals and cares for them and their suffering, can't remember the exact verse now, but I suspect the reason we all feel so much pain when we witness animal abuse is because we know and can sense that animals are innocent, unlike humans. Innocent animals and babies being hurt should rightfully have a greater impact. I certainly do not think it is right to kill an animal and cause suffering without reason, although I wouldn't go so far as to make it a crime. They have souls and feelings like us, but they do not have to answer to God due to their innocence, which is why their lives do not hold the weight that ours do.

[Danieltwotwenty]

We were made the curators of this small planet and we should respect God's creation.
If you need to kill to eat do it fast and effectively, animal abuse is not acceptable for any reason.
Not sure about muder if you are defending an animal?

[andyb1979]

Its proverbs 12:10
"A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. "