Studies have shown that cruel acts against animals often occur before more criminal behavior is displayed. Keeping this in mind, children showing signs of aggressiveness towards animals should not be overlooked. Kids may do cruel things to animals for a number of different reasons. They may be taking out their anger on the animal because they see it as a powerless being and something that they can control. This could also be an indication of domestic abuse in the home where the child is mimicking his or her experience.
Violence is a learned behavior, and like any learned behavior, it can be changed.
In order to do that, though, it is important to recognize the warning signs of violence and to get help before violence occurs, says Dr. Russ Newman, American Psychological Association. The most important thing is not to ignore it. Children should be disciplined for their actions so they will realize what they did was wrong, and in order to instill a sense of empathy should be taught that animals sense and feel things just as they do. Many people involved with violence prevention are taking notice to the fact that animal cruelty is often the beginning stage of violent behavior. The organization is working closely with the U.S. Department of Education to have school systems implement their ideas.