The second is too busy. I don't know what to look at and bounce all over, not really taking anything in

I disagree about the second making everyone more equal. I think the first does that well too. I like the grassy background going all over and the others circled and outlined. Because of the shape and outline, the others get equal importance to the one who's background became the overall background.

I also think the first one is all about the pets - the pets compete with graphics on the second one