While it certainly is an accurate response, for most people in reality it's a complete non-starter. It's only an extremely small proportion of people who really believe that non-human animals, or even mammals, should be treated the same as humans in all respects. But I definitely relate to that sentiment.

There was an interesting article in the NYTimes about the connection between animal cruelty and people this week. Unfortunately it focused almost entirely on dogs and companion animals, and didn't venture into farmed animal abuse, circus animals, etc. Also, none of what it says is particularly new, but is probably new to some of the audience.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/magazine/13dogfighting-t.html

-- RorySkaggs - 11 Jun 2010