Proverbs 12:10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
A good Farmer can be seen in the condition of their animals or fields. A good pet owner can be seen in the behaviour and condition of their pet. Children can learn a lot from having the responsibility of a pet.
There is an advertisement about a Pets Charity on T.V. It shows heart-breaking film of neglected animals. We look and are shocked that anyone could be so cruel! Yet we know its true. Cruel means inflicting suffering or not caring about the suffering of others. Cruelty exists and extends even to families, women, children. Human history is filled with accounts of the most horrific cruelty. Today, we hear of similar things. This verse in the Book of Proverbs seems to say that some people have cruel intentions even in what appear to be kind acts.
I am sure that the verse intends us to consider the effect we have on our environment and our neighbours. After all, Man gave names to all the animals!