7-year-old goes on zoo rampage
Categories: In the news
A seven-year-old breaks into the local zoo. Sure, it's an unusual story, but you'd expect to hear that he just wanted to get a closer look at the animals and that his parents were relieved to find him safe and sound.What happened in Australia this week, however, was far more disturbing. A 7-year-old boy hopped the fence of the Alice Springs Reptile Center in central Australia. He then took a rock and killed several animals, feeding them to the zoo's 440-pound saltwater crocodile, Terry. Not satisfied, he threw several more live animals over the fence to Terry. In all, the reportedly blank-faced boy killed 13 animals worth over $5,000, including a beloved 20-year-old goanna. The zoo's director Rex Neindorf says that the boy was lucky not to be eaten by Terry himself.
Because of his young age, authorities can't press charges, though the zoo plans to sue the boy's parents. "I just want people to learn that they can't let their children go and run amok," said Neindorf. "If we can't put the blame on the child, then someone needs to accept the responsibility." Taking responsibility is important, that's true. But the horrific abuse this boy inflicted on the zoo animals should be a far greater cause for concern for his parents and authorities alike than traditional punishment. Children "run amok" all the time; most don't commit crimes as gruesome as this one.
What do you think?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 30)
Jenni 10-03-2008 @ 5:15PM
There is a common trait among serial killers: cruelty to animals as a child...I'm just saying!
I am very concerned about this child (not for this child). They need to get him into some intense counseling immediatly.
Reply
drag31 10-05-2008 @ 2:08PM
vouch! people like this need professional help before he decides that feeding other people to a croc is a good idea...
Gen 10-05-2008 @ 2:26PM
I agree,
Kids that start abusing animals have problems and they will start killing people. I think the kids should get punished as well as the unresponsible parents. Both should be taken to Intense therapy.
Im an animal lover so I hate people that hurt animals, its cruel and I wish that they would repeat the same actions to that person.
wilbeckne 10-05-2008 @ 2:31PM
You are absolutely correct!
@aol.comisa 10-05-2008 @ 2:38PM
The child definately needs some help! He is obviously got major issues. If this child is not helped, who knows what or whom will become his next victom!
Where are his parents is all this mess any way? How can someone allow a 7 year old child run about all alone? Didn't they notice the child missing? There are too many unanswered questions here.
fluffpc 10-05-2008 @ 3:23PM
The parents should be held responsible for the childs action. They should be ordered as a family into intense counseling. The child should also be monitor until the age of at least 18yrs. If he shows any sign of abuse to any animal or person then let him set in jail the rest of his life.
Darlene 10-05-2008 @ 3:38PM
Jenni, I couldn't have said it better myself. When a child is cruel to animals, he will more than likely grow up to be a serial killer. He needs help desperately and his parents had better make sure he gets it. I hope they pay big money in the civil suit.
sharon 10-05-2008 @ 3:59PM
I believe God has a special place for people/kids like him and he should be sent there as soon as possible.
Donna SP 10-05-2008 @ 3:46PM
This is what happens when parents are told they can't spank their children. I feel so sorry for the animals that lost their lives. This boy needs help. I also feel sorry for the parents of this child.
Rob Bosley 10-05-2008 @ 3:47PM
Future serial killer. Keep an eye in the rearview mirror, everybody.
momof2 10-05-2008 @ 3:49PM
This kid is a sociopath and needs to be locked up in a place where he can't hurt anyone or anything. IT's an organic disorder if he's starting so young - no way to rehabilitate him. If he showed no emotion, he's not going to show remorse. What's both sad and scary is his age - 7!
Jenn 10-05-2008 @ 3:48PM
OMG, sociopath??? This child needs HELP.
Sophia 10-05-2008 @ 3:52PM
I have a 7 year old daughter and always know where she is - she can't even play outside without asking me first - why didn't this boys parents know where he was? Something is very wrong here.
blackwalnut 10-09-2008 @ 12:14AM
I aggree with you and other with the same comments. That is the path of antisocial behavior. He evidently needs counseling and some consequences that go along with it. About the lost of animals, it supposedly the parents should pick up the tab but they will also have to provide some counseling and therapy that the child needs. For community wise, the child should not be deprived of the services.
Donna 10-05-2008 @ 4:06PM
I agree with you. Take a look at Jeffrey Dahmer's childhood past where he delighted in hurting & killing animals. A classic sign of an adult monster just unleashed himself by what he did to those animals in the zoo.
hthepeach 10-05-2008 @ 4:04PM
This kid is a danger to animals and other kids too.
Any child that would do this needs some big time help in a hurry. This is not natural for a child !
miranda 10-05-2008 @ 4:25PM
Yeah you are right, they need to get this child some help quickly.
Deserthawk 10-06-2008 @ 9:15AM
I agree completely, in fact I was about to write that many, if not most, serial killers start out killing and/or mutilating small animals as children. I have a feeling the parents are low quality people themselves. Afterall, who lets a 7 year old run around unsupervised these days? This is obviously a much more serious loss than just the $5,000 they said the animals were worth. As an animal lover, I find this very disheartening.
Rosey 10-05-2008 @ 4:29PM
He's not necessarily cruel...this boy has probably just watched a lot of nature shows and finds them fascinating...he is most likely very curious and brave and strong. But...he definately has been allowed to run wild and both he and his parents need to be tamed. He could be the next reality game hunter. Please don't let the shrinks and social services people put him on meds and into therapy. Of course, hold his parents accountable....they haven't been keeping close enough eye on this wild one.
Jen 10-05-2008 @ 4:41PM
Wow, I agree with you Jenni. What a scary thought to think about what will excite this child in the future. Cruelty to animals is an ominous first step down a very scarry path.