Genesis 9:1-7

God told Noah that fear and dread of mankind would be upon all living creatures.  He gave all living creatures into man’s hands.  Everything that lived and moved about would be food for mankind.  What is not stated but implied is that all living creatures could be used by mankind as he saw fit. We can use animals for food, for work and I believe even for research. 

God commanded that we not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it.  This was more than just ritual.  All living creatures were created and given life by God.  Blood represents that life force.  God wanted us to know that life is precious.  He had told us we could kill for food but he wanted us to know that we should never kill for pleasure.  Men who deliberately cause pain and practice cruelty to animals are wicked.  History has shown that a common trait among serial killers is that as children they abused animals. God will demand an accounting for every mistreated animal.  He has given animals into our hands, but they will always be his creatures. 

We are sinning if we treat animals cruelly.  However we are also sinning if we act as if animals are as important as humans.  A woman who feeds her cats while her children starve is sinful.  A man who would save his pet before saving the life of a stranger is unrighteous.

Righteousness is not limited to our relationship with God and our fellow humans.  Righteousness is also involved in how we relate to all living creatures.  Walking with the Lord impacts every aspect of our life including the way you interact with animals.