Is it wrong to donate money to save animals when people need help?

Question

Generally we assume that people are more important than pets, and nobody likes to see animals suffering, but how can you justify giving money to an animal related charity when human beings are suffering all over the world. It seems wrong to have animals in the US which get better medical care, better shelter, and better food than many people do.

Answer 1

Whomever donates money to whatever cause decides how to spend his or her money.  We should not second guess someone else's gift of the heart.

Answer 2

God gives you a job and money and expects that part of what you receive will be used to alleviate suffering.  

Of course part of that money should go to help with human suffering but God cares about ALL the creatures that He created so He doesn't expect you to ignore the abuse of a living creature just because it doesn't have an eternal life.

I devote a good portion of my income to helping people and, along with that, charities that help animals.  I don't feel the least bit of shame because I devote some of my money to animals and I will continue to donate to these causes.

Answer 3

No....if you have a passion for saving animals, you shouldn't feel bad about that.

Answer 4

Absolutely not! Animals are desperately in need of our help! I always donate my money to an animal organization as opposed to a human one! I just feel more compassion towards animals!

Answer 5

Absolutely not.  Animals need help just as much as humans.  They are very important to us also.

Answer 6

I do sometimes feel a twinge of aggravation when I see that. I definitely advocate donating to causes against animal abuse and such. But there's charities to pay for outfits for show dogs. I wish those people would split their donations and time to various charities. But ultimately any charity is good and anything people can donate is well appreciated.

Answer 7

d**n girl, you look hot.

But to answer your question, I think if you're going to give to charity you should help PEOPLE.  I agree that its sad when animals are abused, and i guess in the Buddhist sense that life is life and in a way we're just animals too, but you have to draw the line somewhere.  There are just too many people suffering to help animals at this point.  I would personally strangle, with my bare hands, every kitten and puppy in the world just to save one single homeless man with aids.

Answer 8

No, because animals cannot help themselves.  However, in many cases people CAN help themselves, but they WON'T.

Plus, since I WORK for my money, I can do what I want with it.  And yes, I would help an animal over a bum that is homeless because he REFUSES to work.

Answer 9

I believe we should put our resources into charities we believe in. Sometimes it means prioritizing among causes because we have limited money, but when a donor feels strongly about a cause, she should act on her beliefs rather than on other people's ideas on right and wrong.

I've been told I should give my money to my relatives rather than to charities. I've been told I should give my money to particular charities rather than to the one(s) I choose to support. In the end, I give my money as I think is right.