I don't think the stories imply that dolphin's have higher value than other forms of animal life; organizations such as GreenPeace focus on a vast array of issues and animals, not just dolphins or whales. That being said, your points about cruelty upon cows and chickens (just the food industry in general) are very valid jobycom.
Gawd, with all the other human tragedies of war and famine on this one planet earth - it is possible to go about our day oblivious to the suffering of animals as well. Though most American's cross paths with this issue every time they buy fast food.
I highly recommend the book -
Fast Food Nation which not only talks of the vast political/corporate exploitation of consumers at the expense of public health, but the cruelty of our animal processing industries that most folks do not want to ever hear about.
more on Fast Food Nation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_Food_NationI hear there will be a Fast Food Nation documentary flick out soon as well.
Thanks for sharing jobycom. I need to go eat a large cruelty free salad for lunch! :)
peace~