[A. Pole]

I would guess that you aren't an animist, and your beliefs protect you from the depredations of paganism and other similar superstitions.

No, it is the Descartes view that animals are soulless machines who do not feel the pain which is a superstition.

Anyone who owns a dog and is not a psychopath, knows that animals have psyche/soul. One knows it through the direct perception and empathy. Descartes was a learned fool!

The cruelty toward animals is a criminal offence in USA.

[John Filson]

One knows [that dogs have a psyche] through the direct perception and empathy.

I agree, and St. Francis of Assisi is even the patron saint of animals. While we have dominion over them (and all of nature), we should still be good stewards. Waste and needless suffering should be avoided.