Don’T Ignore This Dark Harbinger

Spokane police are concerned about an increase in reports of “malicious mischief” last weekend. A total of 35 crimes were reported in that category, up from 27 the previous weekend. School ended on Friday, and officers say young people probably are responsible. What did they do? What is “malicious mischief”?

Much of it was routine. Windows were broken. Houses were egged. Two small cars were tipped over. A water balloon was thrown from an oncoming car, shattering another motorist’s windshield. No one was hurt.

Chalk those up to youthful excess. Also bad judgment, selfishness and, because the culprits knew they’d probably get away with it, cowardice.

Some of it was not routine.

The 35 reports of “malicious mischief” included two cases of cruelty to animals. One, the shooting of a cat, was all too common. The other was stunning in its lack of compassion: Five baby rabbits were killed by someone who skewered them with a fork.

Not to condone vandalism, but most of the window-breakers, egg-throwers and car-tippers will not end up in prison. A few, maybe, but most are decent kids who will become good citizens.

But kids who like to hurt animals are different. They need help. Psychologists and sociologists say such kids feel helpless, worthless, powerless, unappreciated. They torture animals to rebel, scare, threaten, shock.

Sometimes they’re doing things that have been done to them.

We know that, eventually, such kids are much more likely to hurt other people. Research shows that people who are cruel to animals also are more likely to abuse children, spouses and older people. The FBI has found that cruelty to animals is one of the most common traits of serial killers.

Anecdotal evidence associates it with recent killings at schools in Colorado, Oregon, Arkansas, Mississippi and Kentucky, as well as many lesser-known homicides.

Not every child who is cruel to animals grows into Hannibal Lecter. But there’s overwhelming evidence that this behavior indicates trouble.

It must not be ignored. If you or your children hear about it or see it, tell someone. Children should be encouraged to speak to parents or teachers or school counselors.

The late Margaret Mead, an anthropologist whose work has helped us understand what it means to be human, said this: “One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child is to kill and torture an animal and get away with it.”