It seems to me that the problem of the original author is specifically with anthropomorphized animals. That is, actual animals with human features rather than humans with animal features. I have a friend that I game with that is a furry, and my real problem with gaming with him comes not from his choice of character race/species, but the fact that he is a reactionary rather than proactionary player. If there are enough other players in the game, he makes a great in depth character player, but when the group dwindles, so does his creativity.
Also, for the record, Minotaurs are NOT cow people, but rather monstrous humans cursed by the gods with a head resembling that of a cow. In any setting I've ever come across, suggesting to a minotaur that he or she is related in any way to cattle is a reliable way of seeing your insides on the outside.
In the end, it is the creativity and playing style of the player that will make or break a PC animal race. If you don't think they'll be able to do it, keep a quick kill plan ready and let them know that the character's life expectancy may be limited by their playing. Try not to be cruel, but if the odd character is disrupting the flow of the story, it's best to put him or her out of their misery quickly and get a new more traditional character into the fray as soon as possible.
