"Which animals have the capacity for conscious experience? While much uncertainty remains, some points of wide agreement have emerged.

First, there is strong scientific support for attributions of conscious experience to other mammals and to birds.

Second, the empirical evidence indicates at least a realistic possibility of conscious experience in all vertebrates (including reptiles, amphibians, and fishes) and many invertebrates (including, at minimum, cephalopod mollusks, decapod crustaceans, and insects).

Third, when there is a realistic possibility of conscious experience in an animal, it is irresponsible to ignore that possibility in decisions affecting that animal. We should consider welfare risks and use the evidence to inform our responses to these risks."

https://sites.google.com/nyu.edu/nydeclaration/declaration

The mechanic of it is very similar to what happens with wars, repression or discrimination.

They are not like us. They are less than we. Those paroles allow humans to commit unspeakable things to those defined as "Untermenschen", the lesser beings.

And even fully benevolent people do things to animals, that would be considered terrible, if they were humans. For example: selling the puppies/kittens. Imagine the same situation but with humans in place of animals.

I had this idea for a long time and would really like to hear some opinions from others about this.

Thank you if you participate in this discussion!

Edit: When I say animals, I mean mostly mammals. Our pets, farm animals, wild mammals etc.

I am sorry I used the term without specifying. I am not perfect in my perception and projecting my emotions too. There are animals like insects or fish that I don't really understand. We still need to respect them and not expose them to pain and destruction.