You'll probably get flak for this but I agree.

if humans can only progress into space by first kidnapping animals, then they don't deserve to see the stars.

Indeed; I'd have happily volunteered instead of a monkey or a cat for such an endeavour for the benefit of our species; and I'm sure I'm not the only one. There's something far more moral about testing such things with people fully aware of what they're doing and the risks compared to sentient beings not comprehending what's happening to them and likely being in a panic all along the way. There should be a word for it, really.

Oh wait, I think there is: consent

btw