
An interesting point raised by Granitecitygirl and one subject to prejudices on all sides. Islam traditionally hold that dogs are unclean (with the exception of the saluki, "the gift of Allah"); Sunni Muslims tend to be more tolerant, but this is widely believed by Shi'ites, who make up 80% of the Muslim population.
With regard to cruelty and animal welfare, you may be interested in this website--
http://www.islamicconcern.com/dogs.asp For information, the advice to Muslims is as follows:
1. It is NOT haraam (forbidden) to own a dog, though it is not hygienic to keep a dog in the house.
2. It is NOT haraam to touch a dog or any other animal. If the saliva of a dog touches you or any part of your clothing, then it is required of you to wash the body part touched and the item of clothing touched by the dog's mouth or snout.
3. It is incumbent upon all Muslims who own animals, whether for farming or work purposes or as pets, to provide adequate shelter, food, water, and, when needed, veterinary care for their animals. Arrangements must be made, if one is going to be away from home, to have one's animals taken care of as well.
4. It is haraam to keep a dog or any other animal on a short lead for long periods without food, water, and shelter. Dogs need exercise and are social creatures who form organized "family" structures in nature. Dog owners therefore need to spend time daily with their dogs.
5. It is cruel, and therefore haraam, to keep any animal in a cage so small that it cannot behave in a natural way.
6. Fireworks cause untold suffering to most domestic animals because of their acute sense of hearing.
7. It is haraam to participate in any blood "sport," like dog fighting and trophy hunting.
Not so much to argue with, is there? In case anyone asks, yes, I have lived in Islamic countries, and I'd say that sadly people can be mindlessly cruel wherever you go. Let's dump the stereotypes and find out what's really out there!