Q&A: Morality and Animals
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Morality and Animals
Question
Hello Rabbi Michael Abraham.
Is there such a thing as moral behavior toward animals? Do animals have a right to live, or is the obligation on us toward them?
Are these things connected to the categorical imperative?
Thanks in advance.
Answer
Absolutely. We have an obligation to take them into account and not torment them, but it's hard for me to define this as their right.
Seemingly, the categorical imperative is relevant here as well. I wouldn't want there to be a universal law that animals should be abused.