Assuming that the original statement was meant as a geniune starting point for debate - , I'll answer the question.

Your original statement insinuates that money spent on pets is depriving people of food. As a species, we are capable of producing enough food to feel the planet, but dictators and warlords keep the food from their people. Therefore, the argument of starving people is not a valid reason to deny people the pleasure of keeping and pampering their compainion animals.

Now, clawed furniture and cat barf - there's some compelling arguments.