Repair the World

Animal Welfare

Standing up for animal welfare is about more than just hardcore, red-paint-at-fur-coats activism. That’s because animal cruelty takes many forms — from neglectful treatment of pets, to farm animal abuse, slaughterhouse cruelty, cosmetic and medical testing, and even the abuse of circus animals. In 2007, football star Michael Vick helped make the horrors of dog fighting a well-known reality. Meanwhile, the radical activist group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has launched many highly publicized campaigns outing corporations (e.g. KFC) for their involvement in animal abuse. Still, most cases of cruelty remain largely hidden from public view.

Jewish tradition’s take on animal welfare is founded on the mandate of tzaar baalei hayim, which prohibits causing unnecessary suffering to animals. Tzaar baalei hayim does not prohibit animal consumption nor does it require it, but it does help guide shechita (kosher slaughter), which in Biblical times was thought to be less cruel than other types of slaughter, although there is question about that today. It has also helped to inspire the emerging grass-fed kosher meat movement.

Ways to Serve Now

• Spend an afternoon, or several, volunteering at an animal shelter or sanctuary.
• If you’re interested in not eating animals, or even just cutting down on the number of animals you eat, check out these Jewish recipes.
• If you eat meat, eggs, or milk, make sure it comes from a source that pays attention to animal welfare. See these guides for meat and dairy labels and eggs, too.
• Look for cosmetics that have not been tested on animals.
• Partner with a local shelter to organize a pet adoption day in your community.
• Volunteer to help restore a natural habitat or ecosystem or certify the grounds around your synagogue as wildlife sanctuaries. See here for more on how to do this.

Find more opportunities at Repair the World’s service opportunities page.

Learn More

• Commandments of Compassion: Jewish Teachings on Protecting Animals and Nature, Humane Society
• Jewish Statements on Animal Welfare from the Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox movements.
• Animal Cruelty Glossary, ASPCA
• Humanity Even for Nonhumans, Nicholas D. Kristof, New York Times, 4.2009
• The Ethical Treatment of Animals, Rabbi Jill Jacobs, My Jewish Learning

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