I do see your point! But, as I see it, one thing does not exclude another. Whenever you have a chance to do something for animals, grab the chance. If you keep saying 'but something else is more important' you'll never get anywhere, as you cannnot reform everything in one big go.
As for the religious protests, I see no reason for religious people to be allowed to abuse animals, just because they are religious. If you are into protecting animals, then the animals are the thing on the agenda, not people.
Of course it would be much better if a lot more areas were tanken into this law, but in reality, the more you try to include in a law, the harder it becomes to get through - the more lobbyists/interest groups you have to deal with.