We are but, and only, another animal species.
Different perhaps but certainly never better.
In fact as the only animal species actively destroying its own Environment for its own self gratification we are probably worse that other animal species.
To think otherwise is arrogance.

the voiceless babies being slaughtered in mothers womb would be a worthy cause for Ruth to take up.

Um, so (I understand this is how sentences are started now) "We are not talking about enshrining in law rights that would seek to protect an antelope being killed by a lion". Well for heavens sake I think we should! The author should take any Lion available to task for this, let's face it, horrendous breach of the antelope's rights!
After that particular conference is dealt with she can knock on my door.
I have more to say but there is a delicious bit of roast pork awaiting my verdict, thank you your worship.

Born an omnivore I do enjoy eating tasty animals. It is the natural way and yummy.

Seafood, especially shellfish, is my speciality in the kitchen.

I do like the challenge that land game animals present though: wild duck pot pie with button mushrooms and wine, and roo vindaloo extra hot and healthy (multiculturalism that works).

Tomorrow I need some capers to go with the veal, tomatoes and huge Kalamata olives in the fridge. Dinner guests get emotional about that, I find.

*Thus, when one talks about animal use for human benefit, one must talk about how these animals suffer.*

Depends what you call suffering. Farm animals do far better when they are happy, content, healthy and growing fast. Suffering causes stress, which would go against good farming practise. I run a few sheep and I like to think that they will only have one bad day in their lives and they won't really know what happened on that day. They will suffer far less than many humans in the old peoples home, gasping until their last breath.

Now if we all became vegans, all these animals would have no life at all, so I don't think they would really be keen on that option.

You seem to have no problem with suffering in nature, which is huge. Nobody does anything when kangaroos starve to death, or die of thirst. What about the wild dogs ripping all sorts of animals to bits?

Fact is that my livestock lead happy lives, far better than in nature, protected from diseases and things like wild dogs. They also don't need to suffer in the old peoples homes, as so many humans do.

I guess this small gaggle of comment, typifies the broad range of opinions towards animals. It is difficult to argue against the slaughter of animal groups, for human consumption, for which the suppliers of these animals, farmers, are essential .
No reason though, that suppliers of these animals are not responsible for humane treatment of all aspects of the farmed animals. and the environment in which they are cared for, and should have paramount consideration in all respects.

But the harvesting of wild animals unseen, is what concerns me. I would consider the current trend towards furnishing the needs of individuals in China in particular, with an estimated hundred million slaughtered sharks PA, harvested entirely for their fins which are used in a soup dish, in order to conform to the vagaries of a cultural fantasy, supposedly to increase the Chinese male masculinity, as evidence of a profound lack of concern , not only for the future of these aquatic beasts, but the future impact this unnecessary culling will inflict on the survival of the planet, through profound changes to the natural balance of our oceans.