Young boy arrested for brutally killing his dog

Salinas - A 12-year-old boy from Salinas, California, is being investigated for felony animal cruelty. He admitted to hanging his 12-pound terrier mix by its collar from a bedroom door handle, as he was mad at the dog and wanted to see it die.

Last Friday afternoon, Fox News reported that dispatchers had been called to the location by a 911 emergency call from a female caller who had reported that the boy was hurting the dog. When they arrived, the house door was locked and the household residents would not open it. A pass key was obtained and the Salinas dispatchers found the body of the dog hanging on the boy's bedroom door handle. The 12-year-old boy was taken by Salinas officials to Monterey County Juvenile Hall for investigation of felony animal cruelty. Another California case of animal cruelty by a three children on August 4 involved serious charges brought against the children by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter: "Two girls and one boy aged 5, 7, and 10 were seen by witnesses as they tried to swing and strangle two of the kittens. The kitten who was slammed against the wall suffered brain damage and had to be euthanized." Animal cruelty by children has been proven to be the first warning signs of violence, criminal behavior and later delinquency. Studies have shown that the majority of violent criminals have a long history of animal cruelty and abuse, with the children themselves abused or witnessing violent abuse. According to Dr. Phil, "Children who abuse animals most likely are repeating a lesson learned at home from their parents or guardians. They are reacting to anger or frustration with violence."