Let's face it, society has changed, for the bad, as much as for the good these days. Maybe it's just because of larger populations and things like this weren't openly discussed or thought to be much of a danger when I was a kid, but the fact is, the world in general has a lot of work to do to make things right for the generations to follow. I personally do my best to keep myself in check and hold myself accountable for making bad choices and mistakes.
However, I just can't get past not understanding why today there is so much cruelty caused by individuals, and in some groups of people, to each other, but especially children and animals. It's practically an epidemic in itself. I'm not a parent myself, but if I were, I would be on constant alert to protect my kids, even when they are in our own yards. I am an animal lover and responsible pet owner, though, and have come to realize that the same holds true for my dog and his safety. Again, in our own yard.
I'm glad others have pointed out the fact that in many cases, animal cruelty leads to bigger and more disturbing behavior. So, it seems to me that not only should we be vigilant in protecting our kids and pets in and out of our homes, but to also be vigilant in being more observant and watching for even the slightest signs in our own family members. We often possess an inner voice that warns us of red flags when something isn't quite right, even when it comes to a loved one. And in kind, that loved one may even be trying to communicate in some way that is basically a cry for help and an early warning sign. No family or individual is immune to the possibility of one of their own having these traits, regardless of whatever status they fall under.
I yearn for the day when the majority of the news reports are about the good taking place in our world, as opposed to what we see and hear today on a regular basis. Does that sound unrealistic? I believe it doesn't have to be. I think this is called HOPE.

I am the still surprised owner of 7 puppies, the mother was "suppposed" to be fixed. Anyway what to do with 7 puppies? I ran some ads for them. Everyone loves puppies, right? After getting lots of advice I came up with a list of criteria to qualify to get one of my fur babies. Two main things, 1)No history of violent crimes/domestic violence. 2) No crimes against animals. Simple right? WRONG!!! 35 people responded, of those that actually got the background check (17)they all had violent crimes 6 of them had crimes against animals, ranging from neglect to actually setting one on fire. I have memorized the faces of those 6 people, because of knowing what I know about serial killers. I am the mother of 7 children, 4 bio's, 3 hand-picked (adopted) I have taught them something very important, in this dog eat dog/ not my problem world. Life is precious, & that they are precious. Most kids these days are so desensitized to anyone else's pain that they just have no concept. I do foster care also, I take in teens, so I occasionally get frustrated with them, one young man who'd been abused just about every way possible, was giving me fits I finally asked him. "What are you worth?" He said "Nothing" to which I just burst into tears, & told him that was the biggest lie I had ever heard in all my life. Once I began to point out his attributes & he started thinking about it, he burst into tears also, this was a child that was on his way to prison, no one wanted him, or wanted to deal with him. He is now a 4.0 student on the football team, new friends & a future to look forward to. If you know of a kid that needs someone to tell him/her how special they are tell them, if you know of a child that is being abused or neglected TELL SOMEONE!!! Not saying or doing anything to defend a child or even an animal makes you just as guilty as the person doing it. I may not be able to help/save/change the world by myself but I can make a difference in people's lives... one at a time