JCH-NACA Animal Control Officer Practice Test

According to research, do children who harm animals always grow up to be serial killers?

1. Yes, always

2. No, that is not necessarily true

3. Only if they have a mental illness

4. It is likely that they will

The correct answer is: No, that is not necessarily true

The view that children who harm animals always grow up to be serial killers is a misconception. While there can be correlations between animal cruelty and certain antisocial behaviors later in life, it is not a definitive predictor of becoming a serial killer. Many individuals who exhibit harmful behaviors towards animals do not escalate to violent crimes against humans, and numerous factors contribute to one's development and behavior over a lifetime, including environment, upbringing, psychological health, and social influences. Research indicates that not all children who harm animals will continue down a path of violence; many may change their behaviors as they mature. Thus, the notion that this behavior inevitably leads to becoming a serial killer is overly simplistic and not supported by comprehensive evidence.