No, animals are not minerals or plants, they have feelings
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.
No one is saying that a animal is human, we are saying that they are animals and therefore different then plants and rocks.
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.
Laws are made to restrain wickedness. If this type of base cruelty is not restrained it will only be indicative of the wickedness of our own course society.
But wait, ALL MEN ARE WICKED according to the Bible, varying only in degree. Yikes! What do we do now?
You punish wicked men who perform overt acts of wickedness.
I'll try to focus on my own improvement and let God pass judgement on this kitten cooker.
By passing 'no' judgement, you have passed judgement that it is alright, and showed your own character.
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.
It was said that if there were a dog-hell Britain would have been it! Wesley and Whitefield's Christian movement changed that by changing the people's hearts. In America, the ASPCA and other organizations were formed. It had nothing to do with the 'use' value of animals (of which dogs and cats have very little anyway, espically in a city)
Everything is God's, and at our best we treat His creation with respect.
We who do have souls should protect those who do not but do have life!
Animals such as dogs, cats, horses should be treated with kindness.
Even animals we kill to eat should be killed as painlessly as possible.