Children Who Are Cruel to Animals: What to Do

June 1st, 2025 / By Olivia Maitre

Recognizing animal abuse by children is crucial: not only does it harm animals, but it can also signal deeper emotional or psychological issues. As John M. Macdonald noted in "The Threat To Kill," many criminals have a history of animal cruelty in their youth. While not every child who hurts animals becomes a criminal, persistent or extreme behavior is a serious warning sign that requires professional help. Early recognition and intervention are vital, as they can prevent further harm to both animals and people, and help address underlying issues before they escalate.

On a brighter note, positive relationships with pets can greatly benefit children’s development. Be sure to check out our latest article, Why Having a Pet Is Great For Your Child’s Growth, to learn more about the many ways pets can enrich your child’s life.

This article will cover key warning signs, possible causes, when to seek help, and practical steps for parents and caregivers.

What Is Animal Cruelty in Children?

Animal cruelty in children refers to any behavior—intentional or unintentional—that causes harm, pain, suffering, or distress to animals, including actions like hitting, neglecting, torturing, or depriving animals of basic needs. While young children may sometimes hurt animals out of curiosity or misunderstanding, especially if they see animals as toys, repeated, deliberate, or severe acts, particularly by older children, are cause for concern and may signal deeper emotional or behavioral issues. It is important to distinguish normal age-appropriate exploration from troubling behavior: innocent exploration may result from curiosity, but persistent cruelty, lack of empathy, or deriving pleasure from an animal’s suffering requires immediate attention and intervention.

How Common Is Animal Cruelty Among Children?

Animal abuse by children is not uncommon, with studies showing that 3–44% of children may harm animals at some point. There is growing concern about the link between animal abuse and child abuse: children who harm animals are 2–3 times more likely to be victims of abuse themselves. This risk is higher for older children (over 10 years), and animal abuse is seen more often in boys. Some evidence also links animal abuse to conditions like ADHD, developmental delays, and conduct disorder, though the connection to child abuse in these cases is unclear. To protect vulnerable children and animals, it’s important for medical, veterinary, and social care professionals to share information.

Why Do Some Children Hurt Animals?

There are several possible reasons why children may harm animals, though this behavior is never acceptable. These motivations can include:

• Exploration versus intentional harm: Young children may not fully understand the consequences of their actions.
• Curiosity or misunderstanding: Especially common in very young children who may not realise their actions cause pain.
• Peer pressure or boredom: Some children may act out due to influence from others or a lack of stimulation.
• Imitating adult behavior or exposure to violence: Witnessing aggression at home can lead children to mimic such actions.
• Emotional distress, trauma, or mental health challenges: Conditions like ADHD, conduct disorder, or developmental delays can contribute.
• Seeking control or expressing anger/frustration: Children may hurt animals as a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations.

Warning Signs: When Should You Worry?

As noted above, harming animals is never acceptable. However, a single incident may simply reflect a child’s natural curiosity or exploration. Still, it’s important to watch for warning signs, as repeated or intentional harm could indicate more serious underlying issues:

• Persistent, repeated cruelty (not a one-time incident): Ongoing or frequent harm to animals is a major red flag and should always be taken seriously.
• Increasing severity or intentionality of harm: If the cruelty becomes more violent or appears deliberate, it may signal deeper emotional or behavioral problems.
• Lack of empathy or enjoyment in causing pain: Children who show no remorse or seem to take pleasure in hurting animals may be at risk for more serious psychological issues.
• Cruelty in children over age 6–10 (should know right from wrong): By this age, most children understand the difference between right and wrong, so cruelty is especially concerning.
• Other warning behaviors: aggression toward people, destruction of property, lying, or stealing: These behaviors, combined with animal cruelty, can indicate broader conduct or emotional disorders that require professional attention.

Links to Deeper Problems: What Animal Cruelty Can Indicate

Research shows a strong link between animal cruelty in children and experiences of abuse or exposure to domestic violence at home. Children who witness or endure violence are at higher risk of developing aggressive or antisocial behaviors later in life: a pattern sometimes called the “graduation hypothesis,” where early cruelty to animals may escalate to violence against people as they grow older. Emotional and mental health challenges, such as depression, trauma, or conduct disorders, are also commonly associated with animal cruelty in children. While not every child who harms animals has been abused, the risk is significantly higher, especially when cruelty is persistent or severe, making it essential for professionals to take these warning signs seriously and coordinate care to protect both animals and children.

What Should Parents and Caregivers Do?

If you notice your child being cruel to animals, it’s natural to feel upset or worried. However, it’s important to stay calm and avoid harsh punishment. Instead, focus on understanding what’s behind the behaviour. Gently talk to your child about what happened, and help them see things from the animal’s perspective: explaining that animals have feelings, too.

Model empathy and kindness in your own actions, and teach your child how to treat pets with respect. Supervise their interactions with animals and set clear boundaries to keep everyone safe.

Seek professional help if:

• The cruelty is repeated, severe, or intentional.
• Your child is older than six and shows no remorse or empathy.
• You notice other concerning behaviors or signs of emotional distress.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to child psychologists, counselors, or pediatricians for support. Early intervention can make a big difference.

How Professionals Assess and Intervene

When professionals get involved, they’ll typically assess for any underlying trauma, developmental issues, or exposure to family violence. Evidence-based interventions, like the Animal Guardians program or child-focused therapy, can help address both the behavior and its root causes. A coordinated approach between medical, mental health, and animal welfare professionals ensures that both animals and children are protected.

Preventing Animal Cruelty in Children

Prevention starts early. Encourage positive, supervised interactions with pets and teach your child to respect all living things. Address family stress, conflict, or violence proactively, as these can impact your child’s behavior. If your child struggles with emotional regulation or behavioral issues, seek support sooner rather than later.

When children are cruel to animals, it’s a serious warning sign that should never be ignored. Early recognition and intervention not only protect animals but also support your child’s emotional well-being. If you’re concerned, act promptly. Reaching out for professional guidance is the best step you can take for both your child and your pets.