There are *very* few spells that affect animals in a special way (Probably 1 or 2 spells and 1 or 2 items). So basically just ingore it and be happy you have animal friends on your side.
Animals are affected by animal awe, which some units have. It's like regular awe, but only works on animals.
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Great indebtedness does not make men grateful, but vengeful; and if a little charity is not forgotten, it turns into a gnawing worm.
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As for AI the most effective work around to this problem so far is to simply use an American instead, they tend to put up a bit more of a fight than your average Artificial Idiot. ... James McGuigan on rec.games.computer.stars somewhen back in 1998 ...