PETA types notwithstanding. let’s put some things into perspective.
In modern human dwellings. mice and rats are at the least an undesirable nuisance, and on the other end can be deadly. I live in New Mexico, and the above-mentioned Hantavirus has killed quite a few people here over the last several years.
The prime culprit is the deer mouse, a little outdoor/indoor critter that is very common, especially in rural areas. We kill 'em out here.
To those “Well I won’t even step on a cockroach” types, I can respect your opinion, but to me, those disease ridden vermin can all die.
BTW, I truly believe if every household on the planet killed every mouse and rat they saw, we would still be overun by those little fuckers.
Of course, hamsters and guinea pigs are still cool.