What are we defining as "person"? Are you just wanting us to use 'homo-sapiens' or do you have some philosophical idea to apply this to? Otherwise, I'll just give what I see as my most honest answer right NOW.
No, animals are not homo sapiens. Some come close in certain respects, but ultimately they seem to be vacant of the power of abstract thought and a written language that can be passed down from generation to generation. Though I
used to be somewhat of the opposite persuasion, after learning more about evolution and physical anthropology, I believe that humans do have a unique evolutionary spark that puts us ahead of other animals. It likely has much to do with the reason we evolved the way we did, as compared to our other primate cousins.
Having said that, Izzibeth is right in that there is no reason to do something to another animal that you wouldn't normally do to another human. The same dipshits who try to hit animals or things like that are generally the types of people who I pick up beer cans after. Senseless idiots, really.
BTW, Thane, I used to be PETRIFIED of snakes until I was 20. I then held one in my hand and seriously couldn't get enough. One day it might be pretty cool to own one.
I also had a rather large and impressive ant farm until I was 15. It takes a lot more work to keep up with than one would think.
