@DeathCloud
You’re right about an earth animal not being the same as a sapient alien species, the fact that they developed on earth with a similar biology means that their minds are vastly more similar to ours than any alien species would likely be.
That’s not what meant, opposite even. I mean different sapient species, what ever alien, Earth based or whatever should be treatment as above of animal, and theory equal to human in ethical and moral sense no matter what difference in mentality
But really what’s even the point of using alien characters if you are just going to make them humans with a different anatomy?
It’s still better than just humans. Again you questioning this on forum of site about magical talking horses. I say this is good starting point.
The crazy amount of variations of earth creatures alone could at least be used as a starting block when designing aliens. Just because it would take effort and creativity to come up with how an aliens species would act doesn’t mean they shouldn’t even try.
Didn’t aplied that you should do that. I’m in fact all for it if somebody made truly alien beings but I dont think you should stick if humans if can’t do or dont want starfish aliens. There are plenty things in between what could be fine/great. Again for fantasy and low sci fi can it may be enough.