The quote "The only thing worse than cruelty is delegated cruelty" from Matthew Scully's book "Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy" highlights a profound moral concern about the responsibility humans have in their treatment of animals. It suggests that direct acts of cruelty are bad enough, but when individuals delegate their cruelty to others, it reflects a deeper moral failing. Such delegation often occurs in systems where people avoid personal accountability by outsourcing their actions to others, perpetuating harm without facing the consequences themselves.

Scully’s work calls for awareness and compassion towards animals, urging society to consider the ethical implications of our choices and behaviors. By stressing the importance of personal responsibility, he encourages readers to reflect on the power dynamics involved in cruelty and the impact they have on living beings. Ultimately, Scully advocates for a more merciful approach, challenging us to confront the systems that enable and sustain cruelty, thereby fostering a culture of kindness and respect for all sentient beings.