I take "speak" in the broad sense of "expressing something", saw animals (mainly dogs and cats) understanding what I say (not only my voice tone), expressing what appears to me as many types of sentiments and opinions, and often learn surprising related facts or theories... but aren't aware or anything about a non-human being expressing something on behalf of evil.

The (interesting) debate "are humans animals?" doesn't seem pertinent to me here. The author probably thinks they aren't, but his point isn't about this debate.