It's a very good question.

We think of cows as food, but a Hindu is absolutely horrified by the thought as they believe that cows hold the spirit of our dead ancestors.

We anthropomorphise certain animals in the West, mainly for cultural reasons or as pets, but in the East the same thought do not hold sway.

What is undeniable is the cruelty and pain we inflict on animals, especially in the process of ruining our food chain (particularly in America I have to say)

And I say this as a meat eater. 🙁