A cleric of the Russian Orthodox Church commented on the bill regarding the euthanasia of stray animals.

Illustrative photo from open sources.

Cleric of the Russian Orthodox Church, hieromonk Theodorite, commented on his Telegram channel about the draft law on the euthanasia of animals, which was submitted to the State Duma of the Russian Federation on February 28. The document provides for the possibility of euthanizing stray animals after the expiration of their stay in shelters.

“I did not know about such a draft law, but when I found out – I was horrified. How much one must hate all living things to propose such a thing,” writes Father Theodorite. “A lethal injection. And I think it’s not propofol in the vein, but lisinopril, so that the animal dies conscious from the inability to breathe. It’s cheaper. Fascism as it is.”

Noting that there have been protests in the government and animal rights activists are going out to rallies, the priest concludes that “the people are not completely lost yet.” And when asked how the Church views animals, he replies: “Very simply: ‘Blessed is he who has mercy on the beasts’ (Proverbs 12:10).” Moreover, he emphasized that Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism also oppose cruelty to animals.

Earlier, protodeacon Ioann Polishchuk answered the question of whether it is permissible to pray for pets.

Read also