[Gozer]

I think the juxtaposition of dog-kicking is entirely appropriate.

To expose how silly the comparison is there should be a simple and stark difference that can be demonstrated. I haven't seen one in this thread.

Originally Posted by 4X4

Is kicking something necessary for human survival nowadays?

This, and other counter arguments, do not address DA's argument.
It inflicts unnecessary suffering to elicit enjoyment.

The reason I think the dog-kicking juxtaposition has legs is because it is not based on the fear or injuries the dog may sustain; the moral judgement being made is of the human committing the act.
Similarly the argument is not based on how sad cows are, or how terrified lobsters are.
The comparison is whether or not a judgement can be made of the actions of the human. Of whether or not a moral judgment can be made regarding a vegetarian vs. omnivorous diet.

Originally Posted by jammies

Any morality that includes hypocrisy as a consequence is poorly thought out and ultimately self-falsifying.

I disagree with this.
Morality that lacks sufficient nuance to risk hypocrisy is not inherently superior.

Originally Posted by jammies

You can't prove that eating cows leads to eating humans because it doesn't happen. Billions of people have eaten cows without subsequently becoming cannibals. This is called "evidence", you might want to look into it. On the other hand, cruelty to animals does correlate to anti-social behaviour and cruelty to other humans. Again, this "evidence" is what normal people use to prove an assertion.

I agree with this argument; it is evident that when an individual inflicts needless suffering on an animal it is deleterious to the moral health of the individual.
But I generally disagree with your conclusion. I actually agree more broadly with the point being presented by hippies like PETA.
It is uncertain that when a society inflicts needless suffering on an animal it is deleterious to the moral health of the society.

DA has presented an argument that a carnivorous diet inflicts needless suffering of animals (and plants) and also inflicts needless suffering of humans.

My personal opinion is similar to most posters, we're at the top of the chain and I don't care how much pain a lobster or cow feels when dying to feed me.
But I don't consider that stance to be morally equivalent to someone that does care.