"We ARE different from animals"
The fact that we humans share at least 98% of our DNA with chimpanzees says otherwise.
"because they are afraid of us."
Well, not for nothing is Homo Sapiens at the top of the food chain. DUUUUUUH?!
"They work for OUR benifit."
Certain species do: Donkeys. Mules. Camels. Llamas etc. Domesticated for use by their human handlers, referred to as 'Beasts of Burden'. Next question, Sherlock.
"They exist for us to enjoy."
You perv. Beastiality is illegal, you know.
"We do not exist for them to enjoy."
Some zoophiles would beg to disagree.
"Animals were not created in GOD's image. Animals lack an eternal soul."
We (Homo Sapiens) share at least 98% of our DNA with Chimpanzees (Pan Troglodytes) If we're so genetically close to them, then it stands to reason that your God is a chimpanzee too; physiologically and neurologically. And if we humans have a 'soul', so do chimps. Your previous president & God Emperor of Fucking Up, George Dumbya Bush was one after all.
"Animals are promoters of the environment"
Wolves are acknowledged by many biologists as the perfect barometer of the environment, sure.
"the tools of/for the established/created ecological system"
'Established'? As in Evolved? Careful LittleNipper, your Atheism is showing.