You can't both respect animals and kill animals for food

But if we don't have any need for animal foods, how can we say that we are respecting animals when we are disrespecting their life and killing them for palate "pleasure"/convenience?

We all agree that “unnecessary” animal suffering and death are morally wrong. If that means anything at all, it must mean that we cannot justify animal suffering and death by reasons of pleasure or convenience. But what is our best justification for imposing suffering and death on the 56 billion animals (excluding fish) we eat annually?

Pleasure. Convenience.

So the only justification we have is that which we agree cannot suffice. This is moral schizophrenia.
If you are not a vegan, you are participating directly in animal exploitation. Being a vegan is easy, better for your health, and the most powerful way that you, as an individual, can say “no” to animal exploitation.

I recommend: http://www.eatlikeyoucarebook.com/