Animals have accidently been stepped on, embraced or brushed too hard, but I never saw real damage, and the animal was the first to come back for more attention and affection. The child, in turn, learned the proper way to behave around the animal. The children are taught empathy from the beginning by watching the adults around them, and by interaction with their peers. It all has to do with the most powerful kind of education which involves more than demonstrations. It involves care and love.
Early experience is important in forming attitudes which remain into adulthood.
We all know that doctors, lawyers, and other professionals can be among the most severe animal and family abusers as well as the poor. The stresses of our society can cause even the most empathic person to become unhinged at times. We need to keep in mind the words of St. Thomas Aquinas written in the 13th century. He said that being cruel to animals leads to the temporal hurt of humankind. Again I find it valid to substitute animals for children.