It is only partially a question of meanness. They do not seem to understand that I want only to help them; I am not their enemy. And -- so I want them to know the lengths I have gone to in order to make them comfortable and happy.
If they still cannot understand that I am not their enemy, then... how can I expect them to give up their old ways? How can I believe they won't commit crimes when anyone who restrains them is an enemy?