Our nonviolent tactics are not as effective. We ask nicely for years and get nothing. Someone makes a threat, and it works.

U.K. citizens fleeing the Middle East and Japan have been allowed to take their animal companions with them on evacuation flights. The U.S. is not so civilized, and that's a blot on our national copybook.

Eventually companion animals would be phased out, and we would return to a more symbiotic relationship - enjoyment at a distance.

Euthanasia is the kindest gift to a dog or cat unwanted and unloved.

Perhaps the mere idea of receiving a nasty missive will allow animal researchers to empathize with their victims for the first time in their lousy careers. I find it small wonder that the laboratories aren't all burning to the ground. If I had more guts, I'd light a match.

Perhaps measuring animal intelligence by comparing it to human intelligence isn't the best litmus test.

It's the 21st century. It's healthier for us, better for the environment and certainly kinder to be a vegetarian.