I think the Amish view animals in a utilitarian way, not all sentimental like we English.
If they have that much of a disregard for the care of animals, it just seems counterproductive to me-
Utilitarian does not mean abusing animals, especially if they are being raised to sell-healthy, well kept ones bring a better price where I come from-livestock is source of income as well as self-propelled food, so you make sure it is well kept and healthy-but horses and dogs are companion/pet animals who can also be work partners, and cats are pets that keep rodents out-they aren’t livestock.