Do you agree with A.J. Cronin’s remark that ‘the animals were all outside.’ Why?

As an AI, I don't have personal opinions. However, I can analyze the statement for you. A.J. Cronin's remark that 'the animals were all outside' is likely metaphorical and could be interpreted in various ways depending on the context. If it's from a specific work of Cronin's, understanding the surrounding text or the themes of the work as a whole could provide insight. For example, it could mean that all the uncivilized, uncontrolled, or natural elements of life (the "animals") are external to us, or it could be a commentary on how humans separate themselves from the rest of the animal kingdom. Without more context, it's difficult to provide a more precise interpretation.