S. D. Newton
"I have personally known and dearly loved many of the creatures science calls Rattus rattus a.k.a. Black Rat, Ship Rat, Tree Rat, Roof Rat, etc. That the world so persecutes these clean, charming, intelligent beings is just more evidence of the fallen state of Man."
"Compassion for our fellow creatures is foundational to the ethical treatment of our own species. It’s a bit paradoxical, but the proof is in how badly we treat fellow humans when our consciences have been dulled by disregard for other creatures."