Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God.
v. 20 For the creation was not willingly subjected to vanity, but through Him subjecting it, on hope;
v. 21 that also the creation will be freed from the slavery of corruption to the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
v. 22 For we know that all the creation groans together and travails together until now.
This age is for the experience of good and evil for mankind, that obviously has carries over into the animal kingdom. Eveything in the world is physical and temporary, it was not meant to last, except the spiritual.
2Co 4:18 we not looking to the things seen, but to the things not seen; for the things seen are temporary, but the things not seen are age-during.
Of course animals suffer pain, but I don't feel they preceive death. I believe animals will always be on earth. They will also benefit greatly when Christ sets up His kingdom on this earth, I believe He will stop the horrible destruction to the beautiful nature of this world. This whole world will be transform under the rule of Christ, both spiritually and physically.
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
mercy, peace, and love
Kat