God cares for animals. He provides daily for their needs. The righteous man cares for the life of his beast. Thus, cruelty to animals is condemned by God. If an ox falls into a pit, we are to help it out.
Scripture teaches that man is valued above beasts.
Ye are of more value than many sparrows. Nevertheless, it was God Himself who clothed Adam and Eve with skins in the garden. John the Baptist wore camel's hair and a leather girdle. Solomon's throne was of ivory, from the tusks of elephants. Vegetarianism and Diet Animal rights activists often condemn the eating of animal flesh.