What is the Catholic teaching on the use of animals? During a conversation on crocodile farming for production of meat and leather in the Third World, the person I was talking to found that it was cruelty against animals and that humans, in the 21st century, must rethink the animal condition.  

Does the Catholic Church say anything about how we should use, consume or treat both domesticated animals like cattle, and wild animals?
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

2416: Animals deserve kindness as they are God's creation and under His care.


  Animals are God's creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals.


2417: Humans are charged with the stewardship of animals. Animals may be employed in just purposes.


  God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image. Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.


2418: It is morally wrong to cause animals unneeded suffering.


  It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons


How these are applied to a specific situation can be debated and would likely involve pastoral advice.