Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

MIDDLETOWN — "We can't stop violent behavior until we understand violent behavior," said University of Dayton sociology professor Art Jipson.

Jipson said it's important to intervene on the behalf of boys and girls found delinquent of cruelty to animals.

During the past seven years in Butler County, 21 youths were adjudicated for animal abuse.

Delinquent youths in the Butler County Juvenile Court system usually undergo a psychological evaluation with a clinical psychologist, according to court director Rob Clevinger.

The psychologist determines the likelihood of the juvenile reoffending and continuing down a path of violence, among other things, Clevinger said.

The case is continued until the evaluation is complete and the probation department performs an investigation.

The judge must determine whether the youth should be sent to the juvenile detention center; whether he or she will pay restitution, fines and costs; and whether the youth should undergo counseling.

The judge also takes into account the psychologist and probation department's recommendation in the decision.

Intervention for violent youths must be available before they become a danger to other humans, said Barbara Boat, a child psychologist and professor at the University of Cincinnati.

"Violence in all forms is a problem," she said.

A red flag should have gone up when Jeffrey Dahmer began killing animals as a youth, Jipson said.

"One has to wonder what would have happened if teachers and friends and family had intervened in that," he said.

When counseling is mandated by the court, Jipson said sessions should include the child's parents. If the parent dismisses counseling, that sends a bad message to the child, he said.

Long before a juvenile gets into the court system, Jipson said parents should be attentive to the way the child interacts with his or her pet.

"Children who are better able to objectify a victim don't treat the victim as if it has feelings or can be hurt."

If a child older than a toddler hits, kicks or punches an animal, that can be a sign he or she doesn't value the animal as a living, breathing entity.

Parents must show children how to treat animals, he said.