There's a lot to consider here, further complicated that Louis is talking about 'carnivores' despite the fact that he's established that all the animals in his world are people. What does that mean? Whatever it is, it sounds terrible.

"Insects would be even lesser than beasts," he clarifies. "For the most part. While animals as I know them cannot think far beyond their next meal, they may show affection for each other and human caretakers. Even loyalty. Insects, however, seem to think of very little."

Estinien does actually have respect for animals and beasts, especially the ones that can be trained to live alongside man, though the nuances of that were lost in his effort to make his point.

"...Are you saying that the hunters of your society still feed upon their fellows?"