This rebuttal is difficult to dispute. Animagi are relatively uncommon. So the number that can turn into fowls and would be willing to go along with something like this has to be absolutely miniscule. Criswell's eyes close for a moment and he nods in glum acknowledgment.

"...You have a point."

When he opens them again, his gaze drops back to his own restless hands. He doesn't need to look at the statue. He's seen more than enough of it. "It's nothing a first year couldn't manage," he agrees, pausing only briefly before he adds, "Though, I can't imagine why anyone would bother?"