Dominion does not mean that we have the right
to conquer and exploit animals. Immediately after
God gave people dominion over animals (Genesis 1:26),
He prohibited their use for food (Genesis 1:29).
Dominion means guardianship or stewardship - being
co-workers with God in taking care of and improving
the world. (Shabbat 119; Sanhedrin 7)
The Talmud interprets "dominion" as
the privilege of using animals for labor only.(Sanhedrin
59b) It is extremely doubtful that the concept of
dominion permits breeding animals and treating them
as machines designed solely to meet our needs. Rav
Kook stated that dominion does not imply the rule
of a tyrannical ruler who cruelly governs in order
to satisfy personal desires. He also indicated that
he cannot believe that such a repulsive form of
servitude could be forever sealed in the world of
God whose "tender mercies are over all His
work." (Psalm 145:9)
Rabbi Hirsch stressed that people have not been
given the right or the power to have everything
subservient to them. In commenting on Genesis 1:26,
he stated, "The earth and its creatures may
have other relationships of which we are ignorant,
in which they serve their own purpose." Hence,
people, according to Judaism, do not have an unlimited
right to use and abuse animals and other parts of
nature.
Commenting on Genesis 1:26, Rashi stated: "If
a person is found worthy, he has dominion over the
animals. If he is not found worthy, he becomes subservient
before them, and the animals rule over him."
