I think the reason that people react the way they have is because at least people have the ability to defend themselves. Cruelty like this to an animal is ridiculous because the animal has absolutely no way to defend its self....
Do roaches get a chance to defend itself when I repeatedly bash it to death with a shoe? I don't know how one's ability to defend oneself matters here.
Inability to defend oneself matters a little, but moreso ability to feel pain and fear, and (in this case) innocence.
One of my neighbor's dogs killed two of my kittens as well as some other ladies cat. My cat killed a bird I brought home that couldn't fly. He also eats lizards.
Only in your mind, my friend. Only in your mind. And only the weakest of minds look to justify their sins, instead of accept them as they are.
That's nothing compared to the abuse/torture of dogs and cats in China. Its the most horrific thing known to mankind. I won't even bother posting anyone of it...just want to put this in perspective.
How is there any difference? If anything, the slaughter of animals for food is way worse than animal abuse.