They aren't the only "institutionally cruel" bastards to animals. Dogs are also raised to provide fur for the collars on winter coats, and they are treated horribly and killed inhumanely to provide this.

Somehow, italian greyhounds are also treated horribly, as there are many rescue organizations for their assistance as well.

I used to do social work, and visisted the homes of foster and biological parents, who I'm sure you can assume have, uh, personal problems. If you think some people are feral, you should see what they put their dogs through. Its sad and frustrating. Here in K.C., some "kids" set a Yorkie on fire with gasoline and videotaped it. They were prosecuted not for cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor, but for arson. They went away for a while.