How do we know that animals have souls?

The belief that animals possess souls stems from their demonstrated capacity for thought and reason, as discussed in various theological perspectives. Toplady argues that the ability of animals to think and demonstrate memory suggests the presence of an immaterial soul. For instance, dogs show recognition and emotional responses to their surroundings, highlighting cognitive abilities that imply a rational principle beyond mere mechanistic functions. Therefore, if animals exhibit traits associated with intellect, it raises the possibility that they have souls akin to humans, deserving respect and kindness.