More research needs to be done on this topic. However, the reason people perpetrate cruelty towards animals probably has much to do with the cultural objectification of the creatures concerned. In addition, poverty and lack of education may also be factors. As far as personality traits are concerned, there will be a lack of ability to empathise. Phillip Kavanagh predicts that those with narcissistic, Machiavellian and psychopathic traits are also more likely to engage in acts of animal cruelty. ( see https://isiarticles.com/bundles/Article/pre/pdf/60515.pdf)
Better moral education, including exercises in empathy, may help to reduce the cruel treatment of animals.
Better moral education, including exercises in empathy, may help to reduce the cruel treatment of animals.