Animal Rights

After reading the story "The Dark Ones" I am more aware of how cruel humans are to animals. In the story, the seal was chased and shot several times. It was unnecessary and inhumane. Why did the hunters feel the need to laugh and joke while the animal was dying? This kind of cruelty makes humans seem like monsters. Why don't we treat animals with the same respect as we do humans? I have posted a link to the PETA website which shows how we can help and how many celebrities are tying to make a difference in the way we treat animals.
http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/2012/02/09/how-to-save-animals-with-social-media.aspx

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