[einbert]

A kid that does this is very likely to end up being a violent criminal, the crime could be of a sexual nature. By cutting off his hand, I don't think you are really deterring that life although you might make it more difficult. I don't like not being able to save the cat, and I love animals. I think I look upon them more highly than most humans, and I think that every animal has a "soul" to the very same extent that a human does. But I have to admit that I weigh a human life, even a possibly destructive one, above the life of a cat. Maybe it's because I can more easily relate to the human condition than the feline one, and that's the only reason. I am sure based on his actions that the kid is in a lot of psychological turmoil right now, and through his life is going to experience a lot more probably including serious depression. I can't intervene in this situation and willingly cause that much damage to a human being. My hands are my connection to the world, they are the only way I have sex every day. Without them I would shrivel up or kill myself. Without even one of them I would be so traumatized. And I think I would be able to be a lot more optimistic in that situation than this obviously troubled kid. Think of the things he is going to do, and the pain he is going to feel. Compared to the cat, which at least hopefully will die and be done rather than having to continue to suffer these horrible things.

If the punishment were smaller, say the tip of a finger or to have all his fingernail and toenails removed, or to make him instantly bald for the rest of his life, I would do it. But I can't bring myself to remove this human being's hand. Even if it means the life of a cat. I would beat the hell out of him though or try at least.