Certainly, if we are thinking rationally and morally, we are bound to conclude that a human life has more value and importance than that of an animal. However, that is only if we are thinking rationally and morally, and psychologists know that humans often make choices based upon emotions rather than rationality.

“Not here. Not now. Not ever,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno in a post on Facebook. “I’ll keep throwing these abusers into jail until they get the message that I won’t stand for it.”
https://www.winknews.com/2019/09/08/...-punching-dog/

Marceno mentality:
Certainly human life is worth more than that of an animal, but there may come a time when a dangerous situation is unfolding and you find yourself thinking "that dog is my best friend, and a family member, and I don't know anything about you".

Does the Sheriff care more about dogs, campaign dollars, and playing dress or human lives?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ltxJbMLXaI4