Is it right? Because the word ‘humane’ sounds a lot like ‘human’ so it must be related.
So why do we use it when talking about animals? Shouldn’t the word be ‘animane’
Because we’re good at anthromorphizing.
“Humane” means “kind, compassionate, not cruel” in general, not just in relation to the treatment of animals. We also speak of “humane treatment of prisoners” and even “humane execution”.
So no, substituting the made-up word “animane” for “humane” wouldn’t make it any clearer or more sensible.
I think it refers more to the actions of the actor—you are acting in a human way, a way a human would act.
Perhaps I’m dull just at the moment, but I’m unable to think of much in the way of evidence that animals act “humanely”. This appears to be pretty much a human value.
The meaning has to do with our humanity, that separates us from other animals. We don’t treat (prisoners, animals, each other) as any beast would, we treat them as a thinking, feeling being would, one that understands that poking a stick in ones eye hurts.