Well, i think that it has been scientifically proven that humans are in fact, destroying the earth. Now, i don't know what your reference to the rats is, but harm done to any animal that does not qualifie as a pest or rodent (i.e. WILD rats) there should be consequences. As for harming the earth, i think it was inevatable because of human nature. Now, that does not mean that we as humans cannot change. Quite the contrary, i believe that change is one quality that makes humans, humans.
This last comment i have is just an example of what i think is going to far. I think an extremist for the feelings of other living things or what not, would be a person who would only eat fruit and vegtables that have died before they get to your plate. So in other words, an apple is killed if it is picked off the tree verses natrual death, as in falling from the tree in it own time.....i don't know if there is such a thing like this out there, but hey....who knows. Just as a side note, i do not, in any way, think poorly of thoses who are vegetarians....at least you guys have the nerve to pick that apple.
With that said, i think i'll go now...........