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The dignity of the person

Only a being that can give itself reasons and answer for its acts is an end in itself: that is what grounds duties of justice.

Supports Anthropocentrism

Kant · Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, II; Lectures on Ethics

1. A being has full moral status when it can be wronged, when it has grievances to press, not merely suffer damage: one can injure an animal, but can one 'do it an injustice'?
2. Now rights and duties go together: only what can also recognize duties, enter the space of reasons where accounts are given, holds rights, and this is proper to rational beings.
3. Animals and nature can neither promise, nor consent, nor answer for anything: they fall under our benevolence, not justice; we owe them consideration, not the respect owed to an equal.

Therefore So the circle of justice is that of persons: cruelty to animals is a wrong because it degrades us and betrays our humanity, not because an injustice is done to the animal.

How far does this reasoning convince you?