Both are defenders of the rights of a group that in no way can defend themselves. Often expressed as a side affect of religious fanaticism. Well, animals sure are wonderful too, in my book. I believe that these horrific things take place - some people have no regard whatsoever for the suffering of animals. Nevertheless, I do think that a measure of common sense is warranted among the animal-rights concerns.
Animals differ in their intellectual, emotional development.
There should be degrees of protection. I've tried to find information about the relative intelligence of animals, to use as a guideline for my own diet, but it's hard to come by. For instance, I don't think crabs are protection-worthy, on the basis of their consciousness. I think they're probably about the same, intellectually, as insects. But I don't know, since I've never read anything directly about this.