Take Heart!
From Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

Animal Sacrifices (CVA’s position)

The Bible relates that God accepted animal sacrifices. Given the many biblical passages showing God’s concern for animals, one may conclude that the Hebrews’ need to relate to God with sacrifices was a more pressing need. It is possible that, since all ancient cultures sacrificed animals to their gods, the ancient Hebrews could not imagine approaching God without first performing sacrifices themselves.

Interestingly, the Bible does not describe God demanding sacrifice–it only explains how sacrifice should be carried out if performed. Even Abraham’s sacrifice of the ram was Abraham’s idea, not God’s requirement (Genesis 22:13).

Regardless of sacrifice’s role in the worship of the ancient Hebrews, several later prophets objected to sacrifice, emphasizing that God prefers righteousness. Animal sacrifices are not required or even desired now, for at least two reasons.

First, Paul encouraged self-sacrifice, writing, “[P]resent your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). Second, traditional interpretations of Jesus’ death affirm that, because of him, animal sacrifice is no longer necessary. Christians, being new creations in Christ, may model Christ by choosing a loving relationship with all Creation. Indeed, Jesus twice quoted Hosea (6:6), saying, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13, 12:7).

Read more at Bible and Animal Issues