I'd like to assert that as a dog owner, and also as a independent christian, I do not agree that we are 'worshiping' dogs. When owner's pick up the droppings it's not to show submission but rather as a common courtesy to the land owner and any who would follow behind.

When a dog leads an owner while leash walking it isn't a sign of worship of the animal, or a sign that the owner values themselves less than the dog. Rather it's a sign of an ignorant dog owner who doesn't understand the system of respect in a canine unit.

While the current state of health care in our nation is quite underwhelming in reality the number of animal shelters is somewhat necessary. Considering the animal populace compared to the human populace it's expected for there to be more humane societies than homeless shelters. If not for said shelters towns would be over run with stray animals much like towns in third world countries. A human can help themselves after a certain amount of training. An animal is at the mercy of the person caring for it. No matter how much help is given they are still defenseless.

In regards to Michael Vick your observation is absolutely ridiculous. To think that someone could receive less of a punishment for forcing two children to fight to the death than one would of forcing dogs is a bit out of hand. There was a time when internet video sharing sites like youtube were flooded with fighting youths and from that stricter regulation has been established. Many times the participants in the videos are tracked by their local police and are separated from their guardians for neglect even if the parents weren't encouraging the behavior.

In what you said about dog bites being dismissed you are greatly mistaken. In most of the country a dog bite is taken very seriously. The dog is generally quarantined for a given amount of time to be sure no rabies are present and if the bite is sever enough, or the offense is repeated the dog is surrendered to the local SPCA and put down.

In regards to your comments on child abuse and neglect vs animal abuse and neglect you are also mistaken. If the father of a child who is severely neglected and abused turns the child in they receive a punishment and jail time for what they've done. If the owner of a neglected and abused animal turns the animal in without an outside source forcing them to they're off the hook and nothing is done to them.