Our relationship to animals is a multi-layered area of interest and concern when looking at how this dovetails with freedom and the human condition. I’m sure there are many angles to consider, but here are just a few:
~ proper care and breeding of domestic animals
~ respectful treatment and protection of wild species
~ the treatment of working animals
~ appropriate means of raising and slaughtering livestock
An NPR friend wrote to me recently offering this perspective, “I can only 
hope that some day, the ‘production’ and ‘processing’ of the meat we eat will become akin to a new Civil Rights issue.”
Animals are not people, but I’m pretty sure they should be afforded the same respect and consideration when it comes to what would be humane treatment. Temple Grandin has some wonderful insight to offer on this subject.
What are we looking at when focused on humane treatment of, and attitudes toward, animals? Is there really a distinct difference 
between our treatment of animals and the way we treat fellow humans? What does this have to tell us about our particular culture, and what do our own actions and attitudes reveal about us personally?
Here are a couple of anecdotal (and antidotal) links to what animals have to offer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He7Ge7Sogrk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFz-FMj-9Ps
