GQEBERHA – A series of animal cruelty incidents involving minors has prompted the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) Port Elizabeth to call on parents and guardians to closely monitor children’s interactions with animals during the school holidays.

According to the AACL, several animal cruelty cases involving minors were reported over the Easter holiday period. In one incident, children allegedly lured a neighbour’s cat out of its yard and threw it over a wall, where a dog mauled and killed it.

In a separate and unrelated incident, a cat was reportedly thrown at a dog, while another case involved a cat being stoned by minors.

The AACL also reported that children inciting dogs to fight one another is a frequent occurrence.

The organisation said it was particularly concerning that the incidents occurred in middle-class and more affluent suburbs.

“Incidents where minors hurt animals should receive real accountability, intervention and consequences and should never be brushed off as just kids being kids,” said Karien van Schalkwyk on behalf of the AACL.

Calls for early intervention

Van Schalkwyk said psychologists advise that there are many reasons why children may hurt animals. These include exposure to violence, feelings of frustration, anger or being bullied, copying negative behaviours they observe from parents or other adults interacting with animals, or becoming desensitised after witnessing humans or animals being harmed.

“It is important to address and intervene in such instances as violence towards vulnerable animals often leads to more violence towards humans, whether the child inflicts the harm or witnesses it,” she said.

“The hurt becomes ‘normal’, and the child becomes desensitised. Desensitised kids lack empathy and compassion towards animals and humans. In other words, kids hurting animals may also hurt their peers, siblings, family or community members,” said Van Schalkwyk.

The AACL said it investigates such matters and, where necessary, compiles criminal dockets to lay charges in terms of the Animal Protection Act.

Legal consequences remain possible

Van Schalkwyk said members of the public often wrongly assume that nothing can be done when minors are involved in animal cruelty cases.

But the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 prescribes the process to be followed when dealing with minor offenders in the criminal justice system.

Decisions on whether to prosecute, arrest or refer minors to diversion programmes are made by the National Prosecuting Authority.

“In a nutshell, there will be consequences for the minors,” she said.

The organisation also warned that adults who knowingly allow minors to hurt or neglect animals may face charges under the Animal Protection Act for failing to take action.

The AACL encouraged parents, teachers and other adults to set a good example in how animals are treated and to have conversations with children about compassion and empathy towards vulnerable animals.

“Not every child may love animals, but every child should know not to harm them,” said Van Schalkwyk.

ALSO READ: Neglected poultry confiscated amid meat safety concerns