Pets are a part of God’s creation and expression of his love. Any hostility they display towards one another or humans is the result of the disorder and enmity resulting from the fall of creation and the effects of sin.
Pets have a soul, but not an immortal soul. Their soul is on a lower level than that of humans. They were not made in the likeness and image of God. The soul of animals was created. The soul of man is the breathe of God breathed into man. Animals are not reasoning or rational souls but operate by instinct. When they die, their soul ceases to exist. They are not immortal in the likeness of God. They have no need of salvation, as does man, since they have no free will or rational soul.
It is wrong and evil to mistreat pets. They are wonderful companions, guardians, guides, etc. But it is also wrong to think of them on the same level as human beings. In our society today there is a tendency to overindulge animals and attach human qualities to them. In many instances suffering pets get more consideration and compassion than suffering human beings and for some there is greater concern for the protection of pets than for unborn children. We must be careful that we keep a proper perspective of God’s creation and the place and role of all according to God’s design.
