This is a very interesting link to Encounter, an ABC radio program.
If you go to the site, you can listen to the animal discussion.
It's all about religion, ethics and animals.
A few things discussed are:
*what the bible says about the relationship between animals and humans.

* that the church often ignores ecological issues where animals are involved.

* humans should be servants to the animals, not the other way around
* an interview with an Islamic leader on the Halal way of slaughtering and his vision on live exports :(

* Animal law is in its infancy. Animal ownership should really become 'guardianship'- from that change animals can have more rights.

So if you have about 50 minutes or so, listening to this discussion is well worth the time.

If anyone wants to discuss an aspect of this program, this thread is a good place for such discussion!

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/encounter/default.htm

celivia
I have been looking for your thread. It does not show up anymore.
I will listen and thanks for your work.
Your thread is! the longest thread yet its moved.
Interesting!

Antje, yes it will show up if you change th emain page display window from "one month back" to "one quarter back".
That's because I started the thread over a month ago.

This was Lachlan's advice- I tried it and it works. Just scroll all the way down till you see this thread title under General Discussion.

Hope it will work for you ;)

An article that you might find interesting.

From http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101001553.html

Treating Animals as We Wish to Be Treated

Thursday, October 12, 2006; Page T10
Dear Dr. Fox:
Please help me find sleep again. I've recently read a few articles relating to the senseless testing on animals for research purposes. They pointed out how many tests are done simply to gain access to grant money or are merely duplicates of prior tests. This type of activity enrages me, as it should every other compassionate person out there. It is difficult enough for me to comprehend how so many researchers can perform countless tests on rodents, let alone dogs and cats.

My two cats are part of my family and help me get through every day. I can't imagine them being locked up in a dismal research facility and being subjected to a battery of tests, day after day, as so many thousands needlessly are. Americans spend billions of dollars on their pets each year, which sends a clear message that we love our animals. So why is it okay for researchers to heartlessly experiment on them?

Millions of animals are made to suffer, especially by the cosmetics and drug companies, in the testing of new products. Animals are made sick to find cures for many of the diseases we bring upon ourselves. Billions of animals suffer in factory farms and feedlots to support unhealthy diets based on animal products.
By T.K.
Minneapolis

Dr Fox' reply:
There are many animal protection and rights organizations using different tactics to liberate animals from such exploitation. Search on the Internet for "animal protection organizations," then take your pick.

Society is divided over the use and abuse of animals and their moral and legal status. I side with those who extend the golden rule, treating others as we would have them treat us, to all living beings. From a Christian perspective, all creatures are God's creation; and if we are indeed created in God's image, then we should care for God's creatures as would a loving and compassionate God.

celivia
Great post. I must addmitt I was very disapointned to see your thread slow down. I think it would stil be going flat strap were it not for your change of heart . I am refering to the title of your thread, church leaders turn their backs on Animal cruelty and Where are ewes?. It was by far the longest thread and it is a pity to see it go pear shaped especially when of course you were right in the first place. I also noticed you rolling over in a few other threads as well. Celivia it is clear you are a bright lady . You think clearly before you write. Blind Freddy can se you made of good stuff. Do not let others bully you because you lack confidence in yourself.
People will think you are fickle if you do that and they will just targett you as a push over. I am sure if you stand up for what you really beleive in others will come in to support you. Even if they dont. To thy own self be true.
"Of course the Church leaders have a reasonsibilty to animal welfare." Even more so than Government. They are there to teach compashion to fellow man and God Creatures.
I hope to see your post really busy again in the next few months. Yes its still the biggest thread and you are certainly somebody who should hold your head up high. So why dont you.
You deserve it.
Good Job and great thread

Thank you, NedKelly, you are too kind!

NedKelly,
I thought it was a shame as well, that my thread slowed down, but I think that this happens to all threads.
When this thread sank to the bottom, people forgot about it- there are so many other discussions going on that I don’t expect anyone to stick with this for months.
I did try though- I put up a link on a few occasions and asked a question about church's involvements with animal welfare.
But as you can see, nobody responded. There were a few irrelevant poss deleted also by GY.

I had the impression that there was a list of churches that were interested in involvement with animal welfare that was going to be put up here as well, but I suppose that Antje got banned before she could do that. If Antje posts me the list of Churches I am willing to copy them to this church link for people’s interest.

It seems that people have probably said what they wanted to say and don’t have the need to discuss things further or simply don’t have new material to discuss.

to be continued