You're wrong. These rabbits can talk. They're the product of the author's imagination and he cares for them, so we care for them. Otherwise, we've just missed the point.
13 seconds sound clip from the Donnie Darko movie soundboard.
You can hear this line at 01:33:55 in the Blu-ray version of the movie.
Quote context
[...]
- Are you saying the death of one species is less tragic than another?
- The rabbit's not like us. It has no history books, no photographs no knowledge of sorrow or regret.
- I mean, I'm sorry. Don't get me wrong. I like rabbits and all. They're cute and they're horny.
- I just don't see the point in crying over a dead rabbit who never even feared death to begin with.
- No, it was ridiculous. I'll call you back.
- Rose.
- Kitty.
[...]