Me too. I remember when I was a kid catching lizards and sticking them inside of bug lights, tying firecrackers to a cats tail and all sorts of other cruel unthinking things that boys do. The bottom line is that kids, especially little boys are mean as hell. That kids dad did the smart thing by grabbing the kid and getting out of dodge quick.
Normal boys do not do these things,having raised two boys myself,you teach them to appreciate nature not kill harmless animals!!
What is "smart" about teaching your child to run away from his responsibilities?