Zoroastrianism

Animal Welfare

Kind treatment of animals as sacred duty.

Animals, especially the dog and cow, are sacred in Zoroastrianism. Cruelty to animals is sinful; kind treatment is virtuous. The dog guards against evil, and the cow nourishes life.

He who cares for cattle cares for truth.

Zoroastrian Teaching, Animal Ethics

The dog holds special status in Zoroastrian tradition.

Vendidad