Hardly cannibalism which only applies to humans.

Well I actually said 'like cannibalism' (if you read carefully) - which is what it would be like for me. What it would be like for you of course could (and probably would) be quite different

But I have never regarded pets with love and affection

that is a shame since animals can be  great givers of unconditional love &  affection  towards people - not to mention the companionship. Put it this way - some animals are capable of showing love (friendship love) far more than some humans - which is why for some humans they would rather have their animal companions as friends any day