Police Say 13-Year-Old Killed Family Dogs

INDIANA -- A 13-year-old boy has been charged with animal cruelty for allegedly killing two family dogs at his residence located on the 1000 block of South Union Street in Kokomo on late Wednesday afternoon.

The teenager, not identified because of his minor age has been arrested and is now at the juvenile facility at the Kinsey Youth Center.

Authorities have not released a motive for the killing of the dogs, however both dogs had broken necks.

According to pet-abuse.com, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes than non-abusers and violent childhood and adolescent offenders against animals are likely to repeat the criminal behavior as they become adults. Studies have shown that most serial killers tortured animals as children.

If the teen is charged as an adult, he faces charges of a Class D felony punishable by a maximum of three-years in prison.

(Examiner  - Aug 31, 2012)