Not really an apples to apples comparison (unfortunately). Cows have fewer rights than dogs.

You would be within your rights to do something about the dog scenario, and the law would support you. Cows, on the other hand, are seen as products or machines, so “doing the ethical thing” would be looked at as if you were trying to steal someone’s car.

I agree that it’s not right, but that’s why these activists are arrested, instead of the animal owners.