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"In earlier times, people recognized and respected animals as kin, as relations of the same Creation sharing the same earth. Through such
kinship, animals were our totems, familiars, and healers long before they were ever domesticated. I agree with the conclusion of some historians
that the Biblical 'fall' of humankind began with the domestication of animals and their domination, exploitation, and treatment as objects and
mere commodities. Yet the implicit instructions in the Book of Genesis are for people 'to
dress and to keep' all of God's Creation in reverential respect. The word
'domination' in Genesis is often interpreted as divine sanction for all forms of animal abuse. But the original meaning of the work 'domination'
comes from the Hebrew verb 'yorade', which means to 'come down to', to 'have communication with and compassion for'."
Michael W. Fox
Veterinarian and Vice President of The Humane Society of
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