Why Is Cruelty Toward Animals by Minors Increasing?

Experts have recently expressed serious concern over the rising incidents of cruelty toward animals by children under 18 years of age. A recent case involved a video going viral on social media showing a minor exhibiting cruel behavior toward a grazing bull. The incident took place in Baitadi, where the bull fell off a cliff and died. Police arrested a 16-year-old minor who had attempted to push the bull off the cliff.

Similarly, in Baishakh 2082 (April-May 2025), there was an incident in Rolpa where a dog was cruelly hanged from a tree and tortured to death, involving minors. Although those involved were arrested, they were released within a few days. Recent cases have revealed minors participating in brutal acts such as beating dogs mercilessly, burying animals alive, and throwing them off bridges or cliffs. Since minors cannot be legally punished as adults, most cases result only in warnings or minor penalties.

According to psychologists, cruelty toward animals among children is linked to more significant social and psychological factors than mere mischief. Children raised in violent environments, subjected to abuse, or frequently exposed to violent content on social media are more prone to exhibiting these negative behaviors. Psychologist Grishma Paneru explained that social media, changing lifestyles, and weak communication with guardians are substantially impacting children’s mental health today.

Experts agree that this cruelty toward animals is a multifaceted problem connected not only to legal issues but also to mental health, family environment, social learning, the education system, and community roles. Therefore, they believe that punishment alone cannot provide a solution.