Proverbs 12:10

10A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
-Proverbs 12:10

In Genesis, man was given the authority to have dominion over all creation. It is unfortunate that I have heard many believers use that to justify being cruel toward animals or even their own pets. Having dominion does not warrant cruelty. Instead, it should warrant care. However, the above verse does not mean that we must shut down all forms of eating meat and hunting is officially off the table. The importance here is to regard an animal's life. Even in the sacrifices commanded, there was value given to the life of the beast, otherwise it would not suffice. It is evidence of righteousness when you care even for the beasts. It is evidence of wickedness when the beasts are on outlet for your cruelty. Given that the Lord has entrusted to us dominion, let us rule over creation well.