smithy...moonhead hasn't said that these people should not be allowed to dislike animals (there's no respect issue here), she just doesn't know why. I can see where you are coming from, but not all dog owners will let them foul pavements/gardens, ditto not all cats are outdoor animals, and so will not be able to scratch a car bonnet. It's not the pets that are the problem...it's the owners, so to dislike animals for doing what comes naturally seems a bit, well pointless.
I tend to not get on so well with folk who don't like animals.....like moonhead, I love all animals (despite being allergic to them) and just don't warm to people who say they don't like animals. They are missing out on a lot of positives.....pets can help you live longer by reducing stress, they are great for teaching young children responsibility, kindness, patience and can give you so much fun and love. But hey! to each their own smithy, you are absolutely entitled to dislike whatever you want. xx