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What animals "feel" is not what I would interpret as "suffering" in the human sense. I admit this guy does have issues though. He may only be dangerous to his own pets, of course, but if this kitten belonged to someone else, he did cause suffering on the part of the animals owner and should suffer consequences. I ran over a dog once and felt nothing for the dog. The owner was devastated, however. It was as if she had lost her husband. I did feel bad for her - I felt REALLY bad for her. I didn't do it on purpose, but I still felt bad. But ALL of my bad feelings were for the HUMAN owner, not the soulless walking meat.

It was when Christianity was still vibrant(19th century) that people took concern for animals, knowing that they were God's creatures.

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel (Pr.12:10)

I am beginning to realize that the phrase "walking meat" is what has everyone in a twitter. Let me put it this way, without the human spirit, a human is nothing more than so much meat. It is the indwelling of this spirit, in the image of God, that makes a human more valuable than any animal. Take away the spirit and the human body is nothing but an empty house. So much compost.

Animals very much serve psychological function. It may come as a shock but I can believe my dog has a humanlike personality as much as I can suspend disbelief and enjoy the idea that there really is something called Yoda. But in both cases, I know it is just an illusion. But I still enjoy both.

The bible verse is one I understand to mean that the "tender mercies" of a wicked man are cruelty. So, this man is wicked. OK, but I don't think that is against the law, evil as it is. If we could define being wicked as a crime then we could lock him up.

But wait, ALL MEN ARE WICKED according to the Bible, varying only in degree. Yikes! What do we do now?

I'll try to focus on my own improvement and let God pass judgement on this kitten cooker.

Regarding the 19th century, you weren't there. If my livelyhood depended on the health of my animals, you better believe I would take care of them. Those that keep the oil changed in their cars are equally showing a sense of responsibility for what God has trusted to them. Likewise, those who keep moss off their roof.

Everything is God's, and at our best we treat His creation with respect.