I disagree here too. Animals are absolutely capable of plotting and scheming. They just don’t typically do so to engage in violence. They’re a lot smarter than we give them credit for. Chipmunks will run a theft ring that would make Oliver Twist proud, for example, stealing from squirrels. Ravens will trade. Dolphins play sports with shells. Chimpanzees make tools, network, make agreements, and play games.

Every one of these species is familiar with violence and can act with violence as well. Dolphins will drown sharks, for example, by baiting them into chasing the fastest swimmer who then leads the shark into a trap where it is simultaneously attacked from the side and it’s gills are crushed in.

They just dont seek it out. For them, violence is an unfortunate part of life. They don’t derive pleasure from it though.