I'd always imaged a large quantity of vegans were against the harming of animals. Doesn't insecticide go somewhat against this princible? Not to mention the river animals that are likewise poisoned by said insecticides? Or the birds that would otherwise be feeding on said insects.

OK. It's pretty much impossible to avoid this uncomfortable truth. But I'd like to see more vegan movements campaigning about the loose laws on pesticides - along with everyone else. The mass destruction of insect life should be a serious priority on a global scale, yet it barely makes the papers.