Assertions that animals do not have souls is based solely on personal opinion.
The soul is the animating force in humans. When the soul leaves the body, the body is a lifeless shell. The soul is the source of consciousness. Animals have consciousness. Their eyes aren’t just there for decoration. People used to say that blacks or Indians didn’t have souls. Sometimes people used to think that some other “inferior” people didn’t have souls because they could then mistreat them with a clear conscience, same thing with animals.
In the Vedas and in the Bible it is clear that humans are meant to be the guardians and caretakers of the creation, which does not mean “cruelly exploit” but “husband carefully”. With care, with love - knowing that none of it, including other people, animals, the entire planet - is not ours, but His.
“People used to say that blacks or Indians didn’t have souls. Sometimes people used to think that some other “inferior” people didn’t have souls because they could then mistreat them with a clear conscience, same thing with animals.”
I strongly suspect that is the motivation behind the opinions of some here for the reasons you have cited. Too many have reiterated the idea of “using” animals - and clearly believe they are only here for their personal pleasure or amusement. Hmmmmm.....