God made animals. Genesis 1:20-25 describes creatures of the water, air, and land.
God saved animals. Genesis 6:20 says they were "to be kept alive" in the ark during the flood.
God cares about animals. Jonah 4:11 shows this care. "But Ninevah has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" (NIV)
Man should care. Proverbs 27:23 "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds …" (NIV)