https://www.scotsman.com/news/...of-kittens-1-4794346

A four-year-old child has been referred to the newly-launched Scottish Animal Guardians programme after killing two kittens, it has emerged. Details of cruelty by youngsters were revealed at Scotland’s first human-animal interaction conference by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Edinburgh.

A total of 25 children from the Edinburgh City Council area have been referred to the primary schools-based Scottish SPCA programme since it started in May.

The Scottish SPCA said both could be predicted by low empathy levels and conduct disorder, but early intervention could change behaviour. Professor Jo Williams, from the university’s clinical and health psychology department, said there could be a range of factors influencing the children’s behaviour.

“It is difficult to attribute intention, but some have experienced adverse childhood experiences, some have not been diagnosed or have developmental difficulties or perhaps the parents are influencing their behaviour,” she said.

“But we know that human wellbeing and animal welfare are totally connected.”