"But then this superfecundity, though of great occasional use and importance, exceeds the ordinary capacity of nature to receive or support its progeny. All superabundance supposes destruction, or must destroy itself. Perhaps there is no species of terrestrial animals whatever, which would not overrun the earth, if it were permitted to multiply in perfect safety; or offish, which would not fill the ocean: at least, if any single species were left to their natural increase without disturbance or restraint, the food of other species would be exhausted by their maintenance. It is necessary, therefore, that the effects of such prolific faculties be curtailed. In conjunction with other checks and limits, all subservient to the same purpose, are the thinnings which take place among animals, by their action upon one another."
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William Paley, Natural Theology (1879) [1802], p. 264
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Wild_animal_suffering
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William Paley
William Paley (July 1743 – 25 May 1805) was a British Christian apologist, philosopher, and utilitarian.
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