It's never an "either/or," there is always a third choice in most given situations. Sometimes we just have to look a little deeper.

As for animals and people...it is my belief everything has a consciousness and is a part of the Divine/Great Spirit, thus it has a soul/spirit.

I really don't like the use of the word "meat" to describe a left-behind body. Most of us are not cannibals, so it rubs me the wrong way. That's why I prefer "shell." Or, I guess one could say "husk."