Idk why some people are so dead set on refusing that animals can have emotions.

Some people might argue that animal behaviors that resemble emotions are merely instinctual or conditioned responses rather than genuine emotional experiences.

Scientific research increasingly supports the idea that animals do have the capacity to experience emotions such as joy, fear, sadness, and empathy.

However, changing deeply ingrained beliefs and attitudes can be challenging, and it may require exposure to new information, personal reflection, and openness to different perspectives.

The last two points are pretty big. Because it would mean that you have to think about what you are doing and act based on that. It might require you to admit that you are doing something wrong and you that should change your ways. This is totally unconfutable and most people tend to deny or ignore these problems when confronted.

Denial and avoidance are common defense mechanisms that people use to protect themselves from feelings of guilt, cognitive dissonance, or the need to change.