Dear Lord of Darkness, I give you the point that we are animals - and that's a pretty fair start coming from an angel.
Angels believe that, for practical purposes, there is no need of a universal definition of reason (let alone of love); the finding of which, as every student of Plato knows, is indeed, "the rub". That is a game (and a very fine one too) for reason to play at leisure. We (rational animals) just need to consult our higher selves (angels) to know what is reasonable and loving in a given case - and that's because both conditions have something to do with fellow feeling and reciprocity; and you're not going to say, are you Dim Lord, that you don't know when you've got, "that loving feeling"?
Re Rights: I don't see how we can ensure
protections for animals unless they are enshrined in laws that recognize an animal's
right to protection. I mean a duty to provide implies a right to receive. But, I am happy to concede the word - just so the law protects animals from abuse and cruelty.
You are right of course (there's that word again!) there are different views on what is cruel. But consciousness does evolve. I mean, when I was a girl no-one thought it cruel to torment dancing bears or dunk witches. Rather good fun really (provided you weren't the bear or the witch) and to be honest, all this namby pamby Angel stuff takes a bit of getting used to and ..... uhhhh
where was I? Oh, yes, the times; they are a changing.
One understands the frustration of holding a minority view that gets no hearing but (in an unprecedented act of agreement between the two worlds) Angels and Devils agree - it's a definite No! to lies and violence.
On the other hand - are you serious? Factory farms might provide for the animals' physical health (lack of disease) but that is surely only to maintain them as "productive units". Welfare means faring or living well; and nothing can be said to live well that is evolved to move freely in the natural environment but is kept in very close confinement under artificial conditions. Re waste - dung beetles are very effective and there are other methods of keeping paddocks clean.
Re Transport. Most transport conditions are O.K. I guess; for short journeys. So is strap hanging on the Japanese underground, I guess, for a half an hour or so. But, Dark Lord, have you tried it for a week in very hot weather without adequate food and water?
That's different!
I share your ambivalence about some blood sports. The cultural aspects ae often very attractive. But when one considers the plight of the animal involved the feeling changes. I also agree we should try not to be judgmental. But it isn't necessary to be judgmental to object to something that you find morally offensive, and it isn't an adequate retort to say that it is sanctioned by tradition (we've always done that!).
Re nature: It's true that we are by nature omnivores - a carnivorous angel make you think though.
Re Hades. I gather the old place hasn't changed much, except that it sounds rather more uuuuuummm
distracting
P.S. You must really tell me how to use the quotes machine - if you please.
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Shame on them, 
and you the heir apparent! It's a wicked world - oh!, but you knew that!
I can't remember when I didn't feel that we just ought to leave animals alone (unless there was a reciprocal relationship based on mutual need/respect or (dare I say it) love.
The sense of the interconnectedness of all things, on which compassion depends, is an evolving consciousness that is not yet well established; to say the least. As to reason (and intellectual rigour) on which truth depends; well, except to remark that it takes a pretty sound thrashing in most forums, I pass on in silence (for once - thank goodness!).
There you are, truth 
I have returned with answers to all your questions. 
