Actually, they don't consider animals to be sentient. In Western culture the idea that animals act purely on instinct has become accepted dogma and has even influenced scientific thinking.

Thus, everyone is surprised when dogs, cats, whales, dolfins or chimps exhibit behavior thought only to be the domain of humans. It comes as a surprise only because of this dogma.

All life fights for dominance including plants like strangler figs. us humans with our big brains take it to a whole new level which will be our downfall.

If we humans are not animals, what are we ... plants?

Many of the religious consider it sacriledge to point out that we're "mere animals" and sometimes, they are even uncomfortable with suggesting that animals have feelings or can experience pain or have any of those things they think proceed from an imagined "spirit". You can always count on god-botherers to commit category errors.

On the other hand, saying we're animals doesn't mean we can't say that we're different or lack some unique capabilities. Animals are intelligent, even if at a lower amplitude than us, but they are way behind us in use of tools and language, and they do not have writing. We are aware of our mortality (something we generally don't handle well). There are distinctives.

This does not mean we are god's special snowflakes or that we should lord it over the rest of creation or do with it what we please with zero compassion or empathy for so-called "lower" creatures.

In Oz, the original inhabitants were counted along with stock when a property was bought and sold. Terrible state of affairs.
The early settlers declared Australia, "terra nullus" meaning it was owned by noone, in fact until 1967 Australian Aboriginals were not included in population counts and there were clauses in our constitution that gave the Governments the power to make laws for the benefit any race except the Aboriginal race. This was changed in 1967 by a vote of 90% of the population. Again showing how out of touch our politicians are with the will of our people. Last year it was marriage equality, the Australian people have been in favour of such for many years, but most of our politicians have been against it.

“Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful.”
~Seneca

Seems we differ little between the days of one protozoa eating another … it’s just that we’ve become larger ..and capable of justifying our behavior..

Genesis 1:26 is often quoted to justify our domion over animals, and that's a trigger point for me, makes me crazy. You have taken that to another level and made a good point.