Hi Esther Ruth.
Haven't talked to you in ages.
I think animals do have feelings, but I'm a good omnivore, and I like my meat.
I just think that as much as possible, the food we eat should be killed as quickly and cleanly as possible, and then used up as much as possible.
I personally think India is insane for NOT eating the cows. Millions of folks at starvation level in that country, and the cows live better than many of the people.
Besides, since many people in India believe in reincarnation, then beef might be considered a "renewable resource"!
(kidding)
If they ate the cows, where would they get the milk to feed the temple rats?