Hinduism regards all souls as equal.

Hinduism regards all souls as equal. Their presence in animal bodies may pose some problems to them with regard to their chances of liberation, but it does not alter their essential nature. Beings differ in their ability and intelligence because of the presence or absence of certain aspects of Nature, but the soul is the same in all. They are manifestations of Supreme Brahman, they deserve to be treated well, and allowed to evolve in their own natural ways. Compassion to animals is an important virtue for those who seek liberation or those who want to lead virtuous lives on the path of righteousness to cultivate divine qualities. Killing animals without reason has the same karmic consequence as killing humans, since every living being upon earth has an opportunity to evolve into higher life forms and work for their salvation.
Although animals enjoy the same spiritual status as humans, they are not well qualified to achieve liberation, since they do not possess the higher mind or discriminating intelligence to make intelligent choices. Hence, to achieve liberation they have to take birth as humans. In some extraordinary circumstances, due to past karmas or the grace of God, they may rarely achieve liberation. Due to Karma only, sometimes human being has to take birth in an animal body to undergo penance. In the end part of each time cycle more animal souls are released into human bodies to give them a chance to achieve liberation or create chaos.

In Hindu spirituality and symbolism, animals represent both divine and demonic nature and different forms of universal energy. Animals also serve as vehicles to gods and goddesses and are worshipped in numerous temples as associate gods. Legends from the Puranas suggest that highly evolved animals may express love and devotion to God and seek his help when they are in trouble. The story of Gajendra Moksha in which Shri Vishnu comes to the rescue of an elephant to save him from a crocodile is a good example of how God may have a hidden connection with the animal world. Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, and Sugriva and Hanuman Ji who are known for their devotion are good example. The ten incarnations of Shri Vishnu show how God does not discriminate between humans and animals. If the situation demands, he chooses an animal body for his incarnation. It is no wonder that three out of nine of Shri Vishnu's incarnations are in animal form, while one was part human and part animal, Narasimha Ji. According to Vedic legends, once Shri Vishnu assumed the form of Hayagriva, with a horse head and rescued the Vedas from two demons, namely Madhu and Kaitabha. We also read in the Puranas that gods may often appear on earth in animal form to test the devotion, virtue or faith of devotees. 🐘🐍🐵🐅🐘🐍🐵🐅
Hari Om Tat Sat ~ Jai Ganesha ~ Jai Shri ShankarNarayana! 🙏🏻🙏🏻