The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word BEASTS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
B
E
A
S
T
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "animals" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case animals = beasts.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.
What does BEASTS mean?
BEASTS noun- Any animal other than a human; usually only applied to land vertebrates, especially large or dangerous four-footed ones.
- (more specific) A domestic animal, especially a bovine farm animal.
- A person who behaves in a violent, antisocial or uncivilized manner.
- Anything regarded as larger or more powerful than one of its normal size or strength.
- Someone who is particularly impressive, especially athletically or physically.
- (prisons) A sex offender.
- Something unpleasant and difficult.
- A thing or matter, especially a difficult or unruly one.
- To impose arduous exercises, either as training or as punishment.