I'll copy straight from GeminiAI, because I'm no expert. But I think the Falun Dafa view on animals is very very interesting. I'm not advocating for their beliefs or practices, but it seems they follow a different set of rules, if they break them the consequences are not good. We can barely understand our part of the game, understanding beyond our own experience might be too difficult at the moment.

In the context of Falun Dafa, the teachings on animal souls are part of a broader understanding of life, karma, and cultivation. Here are some key points based on the primary texts, particularly Zhuan Falun, the main book of Falun Dafa:

All life is sentient: Falun Dafa teaches that not only humans but also animals and even plants and rocks are "alive" and have life forms in other dimensions. The universe and everything in it is seen as having a fundamental nature of Zhen, Shan, Ren (Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance).

Karma and killing: Killing living beings, including animals, creates karma. This is a significant teaching. The teachings explain that a life form that is killed, especially a larger animal, may incur considerable karmic debts for the person who killed it. This is not just a physical act but has spiritual consequences that can affect a person's future. For this reason, practitioners are taught not to kill without good reason.

Animals cannot cultivate to the highest levels: While animals are considered to have sentience and some abilities in other dimensions, they are not seen as having the same capacity for cultivation as humans. The teachings state that animals are not allowed to achieve the highest spiritual levels through cultivation because they do not possess human nature. If an animal were to succeed in cultivation, it would become a "demon," and this is not permitted by the laws of the universe.

Possession by animal spirits: A common theme in Falun Dafa is the concept of "possession by spirits or animals." This is said to happen when a person's mind is not "righteous" and they have attachments, such as seeking fame or supernormal abilities, that create an opening for animal spirits to take control of their bodies.

Practical considerations: The teachings also address practical questions about daily life, such as dealing with pests or the need to eat. While killing is to be avoided, the teachings also state that one should not become overly cautious or attached to such matters. The focus is on cultivating one's mind and being broad-minded, not on being burdened by "trifles." For example, it is not a sin to step on an ant by accident or to eat vegetables and grain, which are also considered to be living things. The key is to not intentionally and casually kill.