Humans are at the top of the animal hierarchy. With leadership comes responsibility.
We have created this artifical world of cities and towns, and various lesser animals - dogs, cats, and others - are forced to live in it with us. It is our responsibility to at least not mistreat them - that is the burden of being at the top.
Deal with it.
Exactly. Kosher rules of slaughter are but one example of such basic kindness being taught (and enforced) in our ancient religions.