I'd like to add a little to Kim Fox's response to Amanda about the ferret
stomping son.  This is also not a flame.
 
Animal abuse by children and adolescents is a warning sign of possible
mental health issues, which left untreated often prgress to acts far more
serious, including sexual abuse and violent acts against humans.
 
It can also be a cry for help from a child who has himself been abused,
often without the knowledge of the primary caretaker.
 
Please take your child to have him evaluated by a mental health
professional.  It might save his life.  Or yours.
 
[DA]
[Posted in FML issue 3712]