Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 437.

YOUCAT Question n. 437 - How should we treat animals?

(Youcat answer) Animals are our fellow creatures, which we should care for and in which we should delight, just as God delights in their existence.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2417) God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image (Cf. Gen 2:19-20; 9:1-4). Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. 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. (CCC 2457) Animals are entrusted to man's stewardship; he must show them kindness. They may be used to serve the just satisfaction of man's needs.      

 

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Animals, too, are sentient creatures of God. It is a sin to torture them, to allow them to suffer, or to kill them uselessly. Nevertheless, man may not place love of animals above love of man. 

 (CCC Comment)

(CCC 2418) 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. (CCC 2456) The dominion granted by the Creator over the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be separated from respect for moral obligations, including those toward generations to come.    

(The next question is: Why does the Catholic Church have her own social teaching?)