Cryptic crossword clue
I can’t hit a pet — somehow that would be hostile 12

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word ANTIPATHETIC

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
A
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T
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P
A
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H
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "that would be hostile" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case that would be hostile = antipathetic.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

Crossword Answer definitions

ANTIPATHETIC adjective
  1. Having or showing a strong aversion or repugnance
  2. Opposed in nature or character; antagonistic
  3. Causing a feeling of antipathy; repugnant

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