11-Year-Old Charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty in Dog's Death, Mississippi

An 11-year-old boy in Petal, Mississippi, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after allegedly beating a family's 3-pound dog, Chico, to death with sticks while it was leashed. The incident occurred on March 17, and video footage provided by a neighbor showed the boy attacking the defenseless dog. The boy, who was visiting his grandmother at the time, will not face adult prosecution due to his age, while his grandmother has been charged with neglect. The dog's owner, Timber Roberts, is advocating for stronger animal protection laws, specifically Senate Bill 2261, which mandates psychiatric evaluations for children involved in animal cruelty cases. Roberts expressed concern over the potential for future violence, stating that accountability is crucial for both animals and humans. The incident has left the community outraged and mourning the loss of Chico.