D. Rebecca Dinovo, an Episcopal priest, is co-founder of the Episcopal Network for Animal Welfare.

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Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the Christian Call to Animal Welfare

by D. Rebecca Dinovo 12-27-2022
Animals are not only an important part of creation but also in people's lives. How the church can play a more holistic role in helping animals and pet guardians.
A picture of (adorable) beagle puppies pouncing and nibbling on a stick in thick grass.

In summer 2022, the Humane Society of the United States rescued nearly 4,000 beagles from an Envigo breeding facility in Virginia after officials found multiple animal welfare violations. / Carolyn Cole / Getty Images

I REMEMBER HEARING that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had adopted one of the beagles [from] the largest rescue that the Humane Society has ever done.

What struck me was how long people had been trying to whistleblow and alert authorities. It took years for real action to be taken, but [that’s] not surprising, especially when you’re dealing with a large corporation. I have found [animal welfare activism] incredibly challenging and at times discouraging. Criticisms I’ve received personally in the church [imply] animal welfare is a peripheral issue. The fact is these are God’s creatures who are suffering, and we’re responsible, as part of our Christian vocation, to be stewards of our earth and of all the animals.

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