While talk of carcasses may have alienated some, those people had likely not worked in a hospital. No carcass could beat the sight of a case of Phunnel Pox in full pustule form in terms of ability to ruin one's appetite.
"They're meat eaters, but from descriptions, they sound so gentle," Ernie replied. He leaned a little forward, holding his butterbeer in both hands. "It's a shame so many of us tend to be afraid of them. It must have been brilliant to see the herd at home, and the ones at school flying. All I ever saw were owls and quidditch players, except for the Tri-wizard tournament, that is. So would you want to work at Hogwarts and care for the animals there? Or do some sort of research and preservation work? Though I can't imagine what would endanger a thestral."