A Boy and His Dog Fight

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2010-01-20 08:00:00 UTC
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Two boys were charged last week with fighting dogs in their backyard in Orlando, Florida.

A neighbor called Orange County deputies on 10-year-old Alphonzo Harris and 12-year-old Gregory McDonald after the boys dumped a dead dog on his property.

The boys have been charged with fighting, baiting and cruelty to animals. Three dogs, wounded and living in their own filth, were taken from the Harris property.

This wasn't the first time the police have been called out there for dog fighting reports. Neighbors were used to seeing a lot of dogs come and go from the property, but say they had no idea what was going on. Alphonzo's mother and Gregory's grandmother were relieved to see the ill-behaved boys arrested.

But that's not the most disturbing part.

According to the local news report, when the cops showed up at his house, Alphonzo, the 10-year-old, "picked up a puppy and started beating it until the deputies forced him to stop." Gregory, the 12-year-old, had been charged a few months ago with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

These are serious red flags, and I hope the authorities take notice beyond what the animal cruelty laws will allow for sentencing. Cruelty to animals by children is often an indicator of later pathological behavior. One-fourth to two-thirds of violent adult offenders report a history of animal abuse during their childhood or adolescence. Children who not only participate in dog fighting, but who deliberately beat a puppy, and choose to do it in front of authorities, show a disturbing lack of conscience. These kids need serious professional help if there's any hope for their future -- not to mention the safety of the people and animals around them.

Photo credit: meaganjean

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.
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