I think they have these kinds of visceral responses because they’re experiencing cognitive dissonance regarding the ethical treatment of animals when the issue is raised by vegans.

Deep down they know that how we collectively treat animals is abhorrent and shameful and they see their role in it and it frustrates them that they won’t change their behaviour when they’re faced with the overwhelming proof that it is possible to do in the form of someone else doing so.

It’s a crab bucket mentality coming from a place of shame. I say this as an omnivore who isn’t in so much denial about my role in animal suffering and ecological destruction.