Extract from a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá

The followers of truth hold dear not only human beings but animals as well. Man should, therefore, be kind to both human beings and animals and try, to the extent possible, to protect animals and provide for their comfort.

As to surgical dissection, it is productive of scientific benefits and medical advantages that contribute to the welfare of all humankind. The dissection of one animal may perhaps lead to discoveries that would bring life to a thousand million souls.

Although this surgical operation does harm in the particular instance, it is of universal benefit. This exploratory dissection may even be of benefit to the animal world. From this viewpoint, that which is conducive to general advantage is acceptable, even should it bring harm in the particular case. It is permissible because the dissection of that animal yieldeth very great results.

—‘Abdu’l‑Bahá