It is an absolute prohibition to cause pain to animals. Furthermore, it is incumbent upon a person to tend to the needs of the animals in his care before taking care of himself.

It is prohibited by Torah law to cause animals to suffer.

Rav Yehuda said that Rav said: It is prohibited for a person to taste anything before he gives food to his animals, as it is stated: “I will provide grass in your field for your animals”; and only then does it say: “And you will eat and you will be satisfied” (Deuteronomy 11:15).

It is permitted for a person to purchase animals, beasts, or birds for himself only if he prepares food for them. (Shabbat 128b; Berakhot 40a; Tanĥuma, Mishpatim)