Treatment of Animals - Part Two - Controlling Wild Game Population

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.