Treating them just like you treat any other living being would do. Yet there are parents who encourage children to kick the stray dog or cat which comes looking for scraps under the table in a restaurant. Most of the time, if you ignore it, it will go away. Throwing stones at animals is also a common habit. It is not only a despicable act, but also an act of provocation which might force the animal to retaliate.
Some people resort to harming animals because they steal or are mischievous.
But, we don't deal with naughty children by pouring boiling water over their backs. Or, kicking them till they bleed. Or, gouging out their eyes. Humans seem to lose their minds when it comes to educating animals. It is almost like the hideous animal traits in them emerge.