animal cruelty in my country is not so much highlighted, but there are some areas that still eat dogs. No one can forbid them because they have become their traditional food.
Seriously? Where are you from?
Yes, animal cruelty should be punished. But usually either it is not punished at all, or it is punished too much. Humans rarely get it right.
I don't think a person can ever be punished ''too much'' for hurting an animal. Also for hurting a human being. Human beings can at least defend or speak for themselves.