By: Thomas A. Beitz, Canine Behavior Specialist and Dog Trainer

      The answer to the question, “Is your dog really an animal?” may differ from one person to the next depending upon what theory they have embraced. The two main streams of thought are the theories of Creation and Evolution. The theory of evolution which is taught in most schools today and commonly accepted declares that we all came out of the same “lucky mud.” If the theory of evolution is true, then the rights of humans, animals and plants should be equal. We are all mere leaves on the evolutionary tree. The theory of evolution has influenced Ingrid Newkirk the founder of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to proclaim, “A rat is a pig is a dog is a boy.”

     Recently, attempts have been made to compare animals and humans so closely, that the rights and status of animals are being elevated to that of humans. Peter Singer, who holds the chair of bioethics at Princeton, founded the Great Ape Project with the intent of granting apes, “personhood.” Singer has coined the term “speciesism” which is explained as elevating humans above other species is intolerant and bigoted putting it into a class of racism. There are schools which are actually considering adding “speciesism” to a social justice course, comparing it to human oppression and discrimination. As crazy as that sounds to some, it really is the natural progression of the evolutionary theory as it is being taught in our schools today.  

     The city of Boulder, Colorado has removed any language in the law that refers to humans owning their pets. Now, humans are “guardians.” For some, the language may seem “pet friendly” and innocent. However, when the laws and statutes which are already on the books that apply to “guardians” begins to be applied to ones pet, the laws on the books will take on a whole new meaning and have serious sociological ramifications. Perhaps the city of Boulder will one day employ public defenders at the taxpayers expense for dogs that wish to bring a law suit against their “guardian” for leaving him in the crate for 8 or 9 hours at a time while he is out working like a dog to pay for the pet’s health insurance premiums, put food in the bowl and provide adequate shelter.  

     Another theory is known as the Creation Theory. The theory of creation is seldom taught in most schools and under taught in many synagogues and churches. Although most Jews and Christians would tell you they believe in Creation, when it comes time to explain their understanding of creation, they sound more like an evolutionist. Light, earth, water, vegetation, animals and mankind were created by God. Man was created in the image of God, a spirit being. In Genesis 1:27-28 it is written, “And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Was God’s intention that there should be parity between man and animals? If not, then perhaps God is guilty of speciesism.

     For the creationist there is a clear distinction between mankind and the rest of creation. However, there are some key words which stand out in this passage of Scripture such as “replenish, subdue and dominion.” Replenish as opposed to exhaust. Subdue or rule which is to say keep under control as opposed to having something “out of control.” Dominion, as in delegated authority opposed to oppressive rule. Delegated authority must come from somewhere. The authentic creationist accepts that authority as coming from God and accepts the Scriptures as the inerrant truth. The evolutionist accepts truth as being relative. These Biblical admonitions are more than just suggestions, they are instructions as to how man is to manage and give godly stewardship to that which God has created. Proverbs 27:23 and following provide additional instruction; “Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds.” In other words, you are responsible for the condition of the animals under your care.

     Creationists ought to be the best environmentalist on the planet as well as be concerned with how animals are treated. To replenish the earth would be to care for the earth and leave it in better condition than you found it for the next generation. To subdue a dog would simply train the dog to be well a behaved dog under your control. After training dogs for nearly 15 years, I can say the greatest single problem pet owners have is they treat their pet like a child. When we lose sight of our responsibility as protector and caretaker of the earth and all that is in it we become poor stewards of God’s creation. If we treat our pets like humans, they will treat us like animals. If man is nothing more than an animal, we will increasingly act like wild beasts. Man bears the image of God and God considers all of His creation precious.

Contact Information

Tom Beitz is the owner of the Academy for Puppies and Dogs and is an authorized dealer for Pet STOP Hidden Dog Fences. Tom can be reached at (716) 628-0651 to answer your questions or he can be found on the web at www.smartdogtrainer.com . E-Mail: Tom@Smartdogtrainer.com

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