Empathy...

Just a heads up to parents and caretakers of children that if a child does not develop empathy, they are usually able to harm animals without any remorse. These children often do not have the ability to develop a conscience.
Empathy is both genetic and learned. It is a gradual and slow process and is different for each individual. By around the age of four a child should be demonstrating signs of empathy for other living things. Please read more about normal development especially if you have reasons for concern. click here
They can learn what to do or not do to prevent getting in trouble but they do have intrinsic empathy. There are several problems here. One is that these children will learn to avoid getting into trouble by doing things secretively so they do not get caught but they will continue to do things to hurt animals unknowing to the parents.
Another serious concern is that this type of behavior as a result of the lack of proper development can indicate other possible mental illness, such as psychosis. Please be aware and address this problem if your child or any child is injuring animals or seems to not have compassion, a conscience, or empathy toward animals.