It was years ago. People probably already knew that, lol.

Yep, "All are created equal, but some more equal then others". I one day might pick it up.

As for animals, yes, they aren't intelligent enough to really rationalize totalitarianism. They've got some sentience, but to eventually rebel, no. Just as you said, it mirrors the current world. We are in a way treated like animals or children in the eyes of the government to a certain extent, even if this isn't a Communism. After all, look at all the cover ups.