Two grown Rottweilers attack a 5-year-old girl in Chennai Park. Her mother also was attacked when she tried to save her daughter. The dogs were untethered and aggressive. The local people said that the dogs had the habit of attacking people earlier also. (Times of India 7 May 2024) The Law of Moses states: “When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten, but the owner of the ox shall not be liable. But if the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has been warned but has not kept it in, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death.” (Exodus 21:28-29)
Human Life is sacred: God is the author of life. All humans are created in the image of God; hence all are precious in God’s sight. If a domesticated animal like an ox kills a human, that animal will be stoned to death. Even the flesh of the animal should not be used for any other purpose.
Owner of animal: The owner of the animal is not liable to punishment as it happened for the first time. However, if the animal had the habit of attacking people, and if he had been warned, it should have been restrained or chained. By negligence, if the owner did not do so, the owner shall be put to death.
Power to control: The owner is responsible for four things. First, he had been warned that the animal/ox misbehaved. It is dangerous for the life and property of others. Second, he did not heed the warning seriously. Probably, did not regard the life and property of others as valuable. Third, he failed to restrain the animal. Fourth, the animal killed someone. The owner will be put to death. James writes that whoever knows the right thing, does not do it, for him it is a sin. (James 4:17)
Am I watchful not to sin by omission?