The magnetism of animals

St. Francis would be pleased. The patron saint of animals — who is almost always depicted holding a dove or petting a fox — spoke of Brother Bear and Sister Swan. He even called his own body "Brother Donkey" because it was stubborn and resisted discipline.

So if some feel the good saint had something to do with the scene in the Cannon House Office Building last week, it's understandable. The Best Friends Animal Society from Kanab, the country's largest no-kill animal shelter, brought 15 religious leaders from various sects to the nation's capital (and not a few pets) for the signing of the "Religious Proclamation of Animal Compassion." Organizers hope to get 1 million signatures on the proclamation by 2009.

Among the sentiments expressed at the event, we like what Rep. Tom Lantos of Connecticut had to say: "The way a society treats its animals speaks to the core values and priorities of its citizens."

Studies have shown that adults who abuse human beings usually begin by abusing animals. Often, as depicted by the old stereotype, people will take their frustrations out on a pet because they can't stomach confronting the real reason for their rage. But leaders representing religions ranging from the Quakers and Jews to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were in Washington to say "Don't kick the dog when the boss makes you mad."

The ugly stories about quarterback Michael Vick and dogfighting earlier this year brought animal abuse and neglect into the headlines. The Best Friends Animal Society hopes to turn the moment around and use it to capture the attention of Americans and stress the need to be kind — not only to animals, but to the environment, other people and even ourselves.

The proclamation even mentions making better food choices by reducing meat consumption and thus reducing, by extension, the effects of factory farms and damage to the environment.

Every dog has his day, they say.

One of those days happened last week.

St. Francis must be beaming.