"empathy towards animals not only makes …

Ans. Human beings feel a natural compassion and empathy towards their fellow beings especially when the need for it is felt when someone is hurt or in pain. We also consciously follow some social norms to be good citizens.
 
Just as the human beings experience feelings of joy, pain, loneliness, anger, hate and other such feelings, animals do have such feelings. Animals cannot express such feelings so it becomes our innate duty to develop feelings of compassion and empathy towards animals. It would not only make us good human beings but model citizens too.
 
Parents should inculcate such feelings of empathy in children at an early age so it comes naturally to them as they grow.  This also helps in building a good character. One could also show such care by being an example which is more impactful. Action speaks better than speech.

The art of humane tendencies and being a compassionate citizen could also be learnt through stories, poems, anecdotes and real life occurrences. There are lots of them relating to animals. One must develop a sympathetic attitude towards others’ sufferings including those of animals and try to help others overcome those sufferings.

Each one of us taking a step towards being a better and empathetic citizen leads to a forward step towards a better world.