Why does the suffering of Animals matter?

Somebody asked me: Why does the suffering of animals matter?

I have to say I'm with Spinoza on this one. Nothing matters at all except in relation to someone or something else.

The universe really doesn't give a shit, it just goes on on it's very own course, in all it's beauty and all it's violence.

However, to the animal it matters more than anything in the world. They suffer a horrendous subjective experiences when we harm them.

I encourage people to be kind to animals, and not to pay other people keep them in horrid conditions then kill them just so they can enjoy eating them for twenty minutes or however long it takes to eat a meal. It seems such little luxury to exchange for so much suffering.

If you do eat animals maybe try to eat less of them or buy grass-fed ones who are reared in better conditions. It might not help you directly, but it will make the world of difference to some living creature who has feelings not that different from your own ♥ xXx