As long as they don't all start attack just because you were attacked by a wolf in the middle of a forest...
Übereil
That's what I'm saying...I want another way to relate to the animals....especially the wolves <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/disagree.gif" alt="" /> I hated hearing that 'yip' evertime I had to kill one...(however, none of the dogs have gone hostile on me....)
A necromancer...or some type of evil mage could control the spiders and beetles and have them to their bidding....a 'cat' burglar' could have the town's kitties telling him when the coast is clear....dogs would be drawn to a noble paladin (but perhaps hostile to the cat burglar)....or a druid or ranger type could actually talk with the animals at high enough levels.....
Either way....a 'charm' or 'energy cage' or a non-lethal strike should be available for dealing with animals who are hostile...not nice to kill them all....
Besides...a non-lethal attack would be welcome in situations where a whole heap of mind-controlled soldiers try to kill you too....i never did feel right about wiping them all out.....