We have all heard horror stories of animal abuse.  Perhaps the most appalling tales are those in which children act as the aggressor.  Some children enjoy tormenting animals.  They have either watched an adult behave cruelly toward an animal or may be trying to impress a peer by behaving bold and unkind.

No matter what the age of the child, behavior of this nature needs to be stopped at once.  Perhaps the most devastating crime committed in witnessing a child abusing an animal is not reporting the offense immediately.  Children unpunished for committing such unthinkable acts are more likely to grow up and abuse humans…or worse.
 
In many cases, minors are merely imitating what has been done to them.  Abused children are much more likely to mistreat others, whether it be an animal or another person.  A desire to domineer and install fear into another living being is common among kids that are being abused.  It gives them a sense of control in the midst of a chaotic situation.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer once wrote, "Anyone who has accustomed himself to regard the life of any living creature as worthless is in danger of arriving also at the idea of worthless human lives."  Please report all witnessed cases of animal abuse.  Your call may not only save an animal and/or child from enduring abuse, but you just may save a life.  Stop the cycle before it starts.