All major world religions contain teachings relevant to animal welfare, from the Jewish concept of tza'ar ba'alei chayyim to Islamic mercy for living creatures to Buddhist non-harm.
Religious teachings on animal welfare are an underutilised resource in welfare advocacy. In communities where religious identity is central, welfare arguments grounded in faith traditions can reach audiences who are less responsive to utilitarian or rights-based frameworks. The convergence of welfare concerns across diverse religious traditions also demonstrates that concern for animals is not culturally parochial but reflects deep cross-cultural moral intuitions about our responsibilities toward other creatures. Welfare advocates who engage respectfully with faith communities can build surprisingly strong alliances.