“Our humanity isn’t measured by how we treat other people,” the Missing Link says. Fingering the layer of cat hair on his coat sleeve, he says, “Our humanity is measured by how we treat animals.” He looks at Sister Vigilante, who looks at her wristwatch. In a world where human rights are greater than at any time in history. . . in a world where the overall standard of living is at a peak. . . in a culture where each person is held responsible for
their life—here, the Missing Link says, animals are fast becoming the last real victims. The only slaves and prey. “Animals,” the Missing Link says, “are how we define humans.” Without animals, there would be no humanity. In a world of just people, people will mean nothing...