Jacob was careful not to drive the flocks too hard as this could cause them to die. The Angel of the Lord questioned Balaam as to why he wrongfully beat his mule. The mule was loyal to Balaam and tried to protect him. When an animal performs work we should not neglect our duty to it. God cared for the lives of the innocent animals.
Animals can become as family members to their owners.
You should help stray and injured animals even if they are the possession of your enemies. Man is responsible for the actions of his animals. Dog's eat of the crumbs under their master's table. Man is to have dominion over all the animal kingdom. Any animal can be trained.