Cruelty toward animals is the torture, mutilation, and killing of animals, usually smaller animals like cats or dogs. CTA is linked to life-course persistent aggressive behavior and extreme conduct disorder symptoms. CTA is common in children from more dysfunctional and abusive families/upbringings. 

Cruelty Toward Animals

- Fire-setting 
- Cruelty to animals 
- Cruelty toward peers and parents
- Bullying 
- Manipulation 

Skidmore College

Individuals with extreme callous-unemotional traits (Psychopathy) start engaging in destructive and manipulative behaviors in childhood and continue to offend across a lifetime. 

Early Indicators of Psychopathy 

Luk, E. S., Staiger, P. K., Wong, L., & Mathai, J. (1999). Children who are cruel to animals: A revisit. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 33(1), 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1614.1999.00528.x 

 Children who are cruel to animals: A revisit

Extreme callous-unemotional traits strongly correlate with genetic influences, while environmental influences do not significantly affect extreme CU. 

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