Animal Cruelty

Why should animal cruelty be a crime?

Could any of you give me a rational reason as to why it should be a crime? Leave your feelings and morals at the door, this isn't Oprah's book club.

Morals aside? That's the whole reason for it. Animals can't defend themselves.

But really, going up to a pack of stray puppies and punting one won't really affect anyone or anything besides the puppy and the person who kicked it. It still won't be right, though.