Full Idea
We don't give help to British animals (through the RSPCA) rather than foreign animals because of their nearness or needs, but because of our sense of them as fellow citizens.
Gist of Idea
We favour our own animals over foreign ones because we see them as fellow citizens
Source
Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.104)
Book Reference
Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.104
A Reaction
A bit strong. It may, in fact, be because we look after them the way we look after the rest of our property. Even Kantians can be sentimental sometimes.