The Catechism of the Catholic Church says nothing about hunting. It speaks of animals in general. It says that God entrusted them to the stewardship of humans. Hence, it is legitimate to use them for food and clothing.

Par. 2417 states: “Animals may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure.” So I ask: can hunting, or at least trapping, be considered leisure?

Par.2457 states: “They may be used to serve the just satisfaction of man’s needs.” I ask again: is hunting one of man’s needs?

I leave both answers to the readers to answer.

Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.

Animals are God’s creatures. He surrounds them with His providential care. By their mere existence they bless Him and give Him glory.

Thus, men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints, like St Francis of Assisi or St Philip Neri, used to treat animals.

Par.2418 runs: “It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.”