You make an interesting point about retained capital vs. "down the toilet".
However, I still need to say...
"Oh good God!"
Anyway, since human life is very valuable, how about the value of a dog or cat to his human? Perhaps keeping that animal going makes that person better mentally and emotionally. It's still not capital (maybe, unless as with a German Shepherd she has saved you $$$$$ by protecting your house and even yourself), I know, but maybe he's making some human's life better?
"Anyway, since human life is very valuable, how about the value of a dog or cat to his human? Perhaps keeping that animal going makes that person better mentally and emotionally."
That is not without value, but compared to the value of human life, it is trivial.
"but maybe he's making some human's life better?"
Which is why it's reasonable to spend reasonable sums on pets, providing a person can afford it.