摘要
In view of the biblical kosher law of clean and unclean animals, the question of whether unclean animals could be reared or not in Ancient Israel becomes an ecological concern （Lev. 7：21; 11：26） for religious bodies today who still consider certain animals as unclean. A theological study of the law in the Pentateuch suggests that, in Ancient Israel, unclean animals were well catered for. Physical contact with live unclean animals did not render one unclean. Rather, uncleanness could be acquired through the touching of the carcass of clean or unclean animals （11：24-28, 38-39）. As part of their stewardship ordained by God （Gen. 1：26）, the people of Israel touched and reared/cared for unclean animals. Amongst other things, analysis of Gen. 1：26, in the Hebrew text, indicates that the primary purpose of human creation, as cosmic stewards over all creatures （including unclean animals）, is underlined. Hence, contemporary religious bodies, who still consider certain animals as unclean, should have an unfeigned care and positive attitude towards all unclean animals.
