[Kaj]

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...nor are animals capable of suffering much at all because they are irrational.

And here is my groundbreaking evidence: How many of you remember suffering pain as a baby? It is only when we reach the age of reason does one become aware of painful experiences and form a conscience. Why were all of us happy as young children? It must be a similar experience for the most advanced animals. Sentience doesn't seem to matter without sapience.

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Lack of long-term memory != incapable of suffering

It is frightening that a supposed "rational" sentient being like yourself believes that all other creatures are incapable of suffering. Given common sense biology, this belief is rather unsubstantiated.

Edit: Why does there always seem to be a correlation between the more fervently Christian, the more fervently one disregards the welfare and suffering of the rest of God's living creations?