Fundamental needs of animals in Islam includes their rights in Islam, and human beings have to fulfill them. The very first needs of animals which are vital to them include sufficient and proper food, water, a comfortable place to rest and live, and physical health. These and some other rights of the animals are discussed in this article.

Food for Animals in Islam

Animals are unable to talk and express their needs. Captivating the animals and inhibiting them from the blessings that God has reserved for them are unfair [1]. Every animal with either lawful (Halal) or unlawful (Haram) meat, with or without benefit to its owner, birds or cattle, should be provided with adequate food and water, otherwise should be released to seek for its requirements [2]. The animals’ rights in food provision can be listed as:

Feeding the animal adequately, otherwise, it should be released in pastures or nature to find food [3];
Paying special attention to the animal, with whether lawful  [i] (Halal) or unlawful [ii] (Haram) meat, which gives milk to its baby because it requires double food supply [4]. Imam Ali (AS) ordered the alms-tax collectors nor to separate the camel from its baby neither to milk the whole milk of the camel as it might be harmful to the baby camel [5];

Not to feed the animal with unlawful food since it is detestable (Makruh) [6];
Not to leave the animal hungry. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) blamed a man who had left his camel hungry: “you should fear God!” [7];
Watering animal. Partial (Wudu) and full (Ghusl) ablution are some sorts of washing body which are obligatory for Muslims in certain conditions and are prerequisites for some religious duties. Regarding Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), if an animal is dying of thirst and there is not enough water to both water the animal and perform the ablution, at certain conditions, watering the animal is the priority [8]. Imam Baqir (AS) said that whoever waters a thirsty animal, God will place him at the shelter of His Throne the day that there is no protection except Him [9].

Health and Treatment of Animals in Islam

Hygiene and health of the animal are emphasized in Islam. Providing animals with healthy food and water, a clean place to live and the required treatments and medications are of the duties over their owners. Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) obliges the owner of the animal to pay the expenses of the treatment of the animal [10].

Rest and Peace

It is over every Muslim to consider the rest and peace of the animal. Thereby, an appropriate place should be provided for the animal. Also, a suitable time should be considered for the exploitation of the animal, especially during the night that they need to rest. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) advised to let the animals rest whenever they are utilized and ordered not to oppress them[11].

These and other Islamic advises demonstrate how much care is given to the animals in Islam. This is contrary to the modern thinking ideas that consider animals as machines to serve humans without needing any rest. 

Reproduction

Human beings are not allowed to deprive animals of reproduction [12]. According to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP), sterilizing the animal is equal to dismembering it [12]. 

Affection toward Animals in Islam

An animal raised by a human being has the right of affection over its owner. Hence, it is detestable that the owner of the animal slaughters the animal that he\she has raised [13]. This shows that Islam considers the rights due to a harmonious cohabitation for humans over each other as well as for animals over humans. Imam Sajjad (AS) made a will to bury his camel after its death so that it might not be torn apart by the wild animals [14]. 

Respect for the Animals in Islam

Animals trained for purposes such as companionship, detection, protection, farm work, etc.  have received great care in Islamic teachings such that keeping a trained dog at home is permitted if the hygiene tips are considered [15]. It is narrated that a man who had his horse with him, saluted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP). Prophet (PBUH&HP) saluted both the man and his horse in return [16].

This demonstrates the importance of keeping respect for the animals, especially those that are trained. In this regard, branding iron animal on the face (which was common in the past among some ethnic groups) is forbidden in Islam and is considered unfair [17]. Also, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) ordered not to rest while seated on the animals’ back [18].

Punishments for Ignoring the Rights of the Animals in Islam

Respecting the rights of the animals in Islam is so important that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) said that whoever ignores the rights of the animals that he\she had owned, he\she should wait in the judgment day until those animals pass over while crushing or butting him\her [19]. 

Notes:
[i]. e.g., cow or sheep.
[ii]. e.g., dog. 

References:

1. A. Javadi Amoli, “Mafatih al-hayat”, p. 675.
2. Sheikh al-Tusi, “Al-Mabsoot”, vol. 6, p. 47.
3. H. T. Nuri Ṭabarsi, “Mustadrak al-Wasail”, vol. 8, p. 36.
4. A. Javadi Amoli, “Mafatih al-hayat”, p. 678.
5. “Nahj al-Balagha”, letter 25.
6. Sheikh al-Tusi, “Tahdhib al-Ahkam”, vol. 9, p. 115.
7. M. B. Majlesi, “Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 61, p. 111.
8. A. Javadi Amoli, “Mafatih al-hayat”, p. 681.
9. “Makarim al-Akhlaq”, p. 135.
10. M. H. Najafi, “Jawahir al-Kalam”, vol. 36, p. 436-437.
11. J. Suyuti, “Jami al-Sagheer”, vol. 1, p. 102.
12.  A. Javadi Amoli, “Mafatih al-hayat”, p. 686.
13.  A. Al-Barqi, “Al-Mahasin”, p. 634.
14. Shaykh al-Saduq, “Thawab al-A'mal wa 'Iqab al-A'mal”, p. 50.
15. Animals in Islam
16. F. Rawandi, “Al-Nawader”, p. 41-42.
17. Shaykh Saduq, “Al-Amali”, p. 507.
18. Q. Nu'man, “Da'a'im al-Islam”, vol 1, p. 347.
19. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, “Sahih Muslim”, vol. 3, p. 74.

1. The World in Jesus Christ (PBUH)'s View

This world is a bridge, pass it and don't get attached. 

Sheikh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.43.

2. You Reap What You Sow

Everyone is after the reward [that comes at the end], and no one will get it except through hard work. 

Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 22083.

3. The Lasting Lights

Good for the ones who pray at the heart of the night; those are the ones who will inherit a lasting light. 

Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.510.

4. Faithfulness in Jesus Christ (PBUH)'s View

A tree is perfected only through giving fruit, as faithfulness is only accomplished through avoiding what is forbidden (Haram). 

Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.511.

5. Beware of Your Eyes

Be careful about what you are looking at since the mere act of looking [at something inappropriate] will put the seed of desire in your heart, which would later turn into a disaster. 

Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.502. 

6. Most Cherished Ones

Good for the ones who make amends among people; those are the most cherished on the Day of Judgement.

 Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.501. 

7. Servants of This World

O' servants of the world! You are like a lamp that gives light to people and burns itself instead. 

Tuhaf al-Uqul, Hadith no.500324.

8. Modesty in Private and Public

As you present modesty and humbleness among people in public, be modest and humble with regard to God in private.

Tuhaf al-Uqul, Hadith no.500325.

9. A Fruitful Heart in Jesus Christ (PBUH)'s View

Verily, planting is only possible on arable land, not a barren one. Similarly, wisdom only grows in a humble and ready heart, not an arrogant and prejudiced one. 

Tuhaf al-Uqul, Hadith no.500332.

10. Practice Makes Perfect

Everyone looks upon the stars, but none finds his/her way using them, except the one who knows their places and how they work. Similarly, you will learn wisdom, but only the one who practices wisdom will be guided.

Tuhaf al-Uqul, Hadith no.500336.

11. Inappropriate Words' Echoes 

Any offensive and inappropriate word that you say today will be responded later on the Day of Judgement.

Tuhaf al-Uqul, Hadith no.500341.

12. Patience in Jesus Christ (PBUH)'s Words

Water puts the fire out, just as patience calms anger down.

Tuhaf al-Uqul, Hadith no.500347.

13. Perfect Faith as Jesus Christ (PBUH) Describes 

Water and soil are the determining factors for a good harvest, just as knowledge and manner are the keys to perfect faith. 

Tuhaf al-Uqul, Hadith no.500350.

14. Don't Be Just After this World 

The one who is only after this world is like a person drinking seawater; the more he drinks, the more he gets thirsty and finally will bring him death. 

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir, vol.1, p.149.

15. This World and The World that Is to Come

Jesus Christ (PBUH) said to the apostles: "As much as you get tired in this world, you will rest in the other world, and as much as you rest in this world, you'll get exhausted on the world that is to come."

Ismaiil Jawuhari Farabi, Al-Sahah, vol.1, p.225.

16. The Root of All Evil

Beware that the root of all evil lies in loving this world extremely. 

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir, vol.1, p.129.

17. Water and Fire

Loving this world and striving for the other world cannot come together in a believer's heart, as water and fire cannot be put together on a plate. 

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir, vol.1, p.131.

18. God's Friends 

If you want to be among God's friends and chosen ones, be kind to the one who does you wrong, and forgive the one who has done you an injustice, and greet the one who turns his face from you.

Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.503.

19. A Magnificent Person 

Whoever knows and brings what he knows into practice and teaches others, is considered a magnificent person in Allah's regard.

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir, vol.1, p.82.

20. The Most Wretched One

The most wretched among you is the one who is only known by his/her knowledge, not his/her deeds. 

Bihar al-Anvar, vol.2, p.52.