One of the saddest things I’ve heard from people is “meat eaters can love animals, too” (often accompanied with “well, if you just participate in meatless mondays, you’re doing enough!”)

I mean, since when does love equal murder? Since when does “I love my cat” mean “I love animals”? There are other animals out there and just because someone is nice to their pet does not mean you’re an “animal lover”. Love, compassion? These things are held by people who wouldn’t needlessly kill and exploit others for a snack, a piece of clothing, or some entertainment.

How do you respond to these sorts of people?
How do you get them to see that a meat eater (or anyone who exploits animals through other means, like leather, dairy, etc.) can’t really say they “love animals”?