Christianity

In Christianity we have two points of view considering the place of animals in the universe. Many Christians see humans as being at the top of a hierarchical tree, just below God, and with animals somewhere beneath them.

Others disagree the previous point of view and believe that animals are independent and equal to humans. In the very first chapter of the Bible it is said that in the beginning, when things were as God meant them to be, animals were not created to be food for humans. The animals were to eat grass, foliage and cereals; human beings, fruit and nuts. Only later, when sin was rampant in the world, were animals granted to humankind for food, with the sinister words: 'The fear of you and the dread of you shall fall upon all wild animals and birds and fish; they are given into your hands.

In different parts of Bible, we have some quotes about caring animals like sparrow by God as well as humans. Feeding animals is the other note accentuated in Bible. (Matthew 10:29-31) These examples are all documents of respecting animals in Bible.

Islam

In Islam we have a great highlight of respect to animals and Muslims should show a certain level of respect to animals especially because they are also creatures of Allah and because Allah shows mercy to us. It is also recommended to feed or to quench their thirst. If a Muslim sees a thirsty or hungry animal, he/she should feed it as there is reward for assisting a needy creature. This has been mentioned by Muhammed that: “There is a reward (for serving) everything with a moist liver (that is, every living creature).”

The Islamic religion has always viewed animals as a special part of God's creation. The Qur'an, the Hadith, and the history of Islamic civilization offer many examples of kindness, mercy, and compassion for animals. For example, the Qur'an says, "There is not an animal on Earth, nor a bird that flies on its wings - but they are communities like you."

And: "The Holy Prophet (S) narrated a vision in which he saw a woman being chastised after death because she had confined a cat during her life on earth without feeding and watering it, or even letting it free so it could feed itself."

The elephants story in holly book:

The Muslim tradition attributes to Abraha an attack of Mecca with a troop of elephants. Mecca is then defended by Abd al-Muttalib, Mohammed's grandfather. Mecca is preserved "miraculously". The Qur'an relates this story: "[105: 1-5] Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the Companions of the Elephant? Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray? And He sent against them Flights of Birds, Striking them with stones of baked clay. Then did He make them like an empty field of stalks and straw, (of which the corn) has been eaten up." The year of this attack, called the "Elephant Year," would be that of the birth of Mohammed, traditionally located in 570 or 571. What is very interesting: Abraha's elephants were kneeling and ... refused to attack Mecca and charge the Ka'ba. For this, elephant is a respectful creature in Islam.

All these examples and verses and historical stories show the amount of respect paying by religions to animals. Elephant is one of these animals must be respected by humans but the extinction of them shows other reality. But what causes this ignorance? The first misunderstanding is that regions teaches that humans are granted dominion over animals gives us a warrant to treat them in whatever way we may wish. However, Jewish tradition interprets "dominion" as guardianship, or stewardship: we are called upon to be co-workers with God in improving the world.

So, the religious mandate does not mean that people have the right to wantonly exploit animals, and it certainly does not permit us to breed animals and then treat them as machines designed solely to meet human needs. We are not allowed to destroy elephants to gain their tusks. We don’t have the right to limit the habitat

The best way to combat such ignorance is through education and good example. Individuals and governments have important roles to play in educating the public about the care of animals and establishing institutions to support animal welfare.