Questioner: The first question that we have is on the
treatment of animals. The question is:
In some of our wild game areas, it is claimed that deer and some other
animals, if left alone, will multiply to the point that starvation will
occur. Hunting seasons are justified on
this basis. Ranchers claim that certain
predatory animals must be killed to protect their sheep, cattle, etc. Would you comment regarding the morality of
these situations?
The
Council: If the rules or laws are set so
that it is necessary to protect livestock that is generally considered
foodstock, then a degree of control would be acceptable only to the extent that
certain predatory animals would cause damage to foodstock. Do you understand?
Questioner: Yes.
The
Council: For man to control the
population of what is referred to as wild animals or wild game, if this control
is exercised properly and with a humane approach and the stock or the control
is not wasted, in other words, simply to dispose of animal life and leave it
rot or waste would not be acceptable.
Man has a choice, to let nature control the population of certain
animals or for him to step in and humanely control it. But in so doing man cannot wantonly kill but
must make use of those that are controlled or taken out as a controlling
element.
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