Inconsistent response to animal cruelty.

[Catherine]

Quote:I suspect that human "judgements" about the relative value of different animals are at work here. Of course, this is *totally* wrong, as one life is not more important than another. But nonetheless, I fear that this is the explanation.

I think you are right. Horses are considered valuable. 
Rabbits are not considered valuable and neither is a hamster or the cat and dog, unless they were purebreds.
This is a sad truth. It also holds true for humans. Some humans are considered more valuable in the eyes of the law.

We have yet to learn that life is valuable and we should respect all life equally.