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A friend, of whom I was very fond but have not seen in many years, in California, once said to me: "I think the food animals, on some level, volunteer to come here and be eaten." He then proceeded to chow down on a hamburger. (By the way, I like veggie burgers.) Of course, I dispatched his argument swiftly with a few questions, one of which was, "Do cats and dogs volunteer to be eaten in China but not America?"

LOL! Perfect example of the cluelessness I mentioned in my post above.

Man is unique in that he is animal but not fully so. Some combination of intellect/soul combines to make us aware of our actions and the suffering of other animals.

Some people would like to deny that we are at the top of the food chain with as much natural right as a lion to kill and consume other animals.

That intellect/divine spark compells us to do so with as little suffering to others as manageable.

I can live with that.

So you’re of the belief that humans are animals? Who gave us the name of ‘humans’ or ‘animals’ but us? We have designated ourselves as ‘humans’, but you have designated us as ‘animals’. And I think you mean it literally. Why would you have us all be animals? Have you forgotten that we have our own designation: it’s called ‘human’. Do you not know the difference between humans and animals? That is why we have different names. A human is a human, and an animal is an animal. I don’t know how I could make it any more simple. And I don’t see how you could mix up the two. (Except in the case of... but we won’t go there.)

Humans are mammals not animals:

. any member of the kingdom Animalia, comprising multicellular organisms that have a well-defined shape and usually limited growth, can move voluntarily, actively acquire food and digest it internally, and have sensory and nervous systems that allow them to respond rapidly to stimuli: some classification schemes also include protozoa and certain other single-celled eukaryotes that have motility and animallike nutritional modes. 2. any such living thing other than a human being. 3. a mammal, as opposed to a fish, bird, etc. 4. the physical, sensual, or carnal nature of human beings; animality: the animal in every person. 5. an inhuman person; brutish or beastlike person: She married an animal. 6. thing: A perfect job? Is there any such animal? –adjective 7. of, pertaining to, or derived from animals: animal instincts; animal fats. 8. pertaining to the physical, sensual, or carnal nature of humans, rather than their spiritual or intellectual nature: animal needs.