1811072. What attitude should people have toward animals?

506. What does the seventh commandment require?

The seventh commandment requires respect for the goods of others through the practice of justice and charity, temperance and solidarity. In particular it requires respect for promises made and contracts agreed to, reparation for injustice committed and restitution of stolen goods, and respect for the integrity of creation by the prudent and moderate use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe with special attention to those species which are in danger of extinction.

Further reading: CCC 2407, 2450-2451


507. What attitude should people have toward animals?

People must treat animals with kindness as creatures of God and avoid both excessive love for them and indiscriminate use of them especially by scientific experiments that go beyond reasonable limits and entail needless suffering for the animals.

Further reading: CCC 2416-2418, 2457

508. What is forbidden by the seventh commandment?

Above all, the seventh commandment forbids theft, which is the taking or using of another's property against the reasonable will of the owner. This can be done also by paying unjust wages; by speculation on the value of goods in order to gain an advantage to the detriment of others; or by the forgery of checks or invoices. Also forbidden is tax evasion or business fraud; willfully damaging private or public property; usury; corruption; the private abuse of common goods; work deliberately done poorly; and waste.

Further reading: CCC 2408-2413, 2453-2455