[2020] Some thoughts of mine

You're right. I initially didn't want to let players butcher cats, dogs, and humanoids, but the next update will allow it.

I've come to the conclusion that it's better to let players make their own moral decisions rather than me try and handhold based on what I would do as the player.

Later, when I've added settler personality traits, this could absolutely be something to consider. 'Animal Lover' trait which makes them unhappy to have their pets killed, or something.

I wouldn't worry too much. It won't be something that affects all settlers. The idea is that traits would be unique making some individuals stand out. Whereas, in the current build, they're more like pawns and are rather boring.

In this specific example, *maybe* you have a settler that likes animals a ton and loses some happiness. I'm not saying your whole town goes into meltdown mode because you had to butcher your dog to survive.