

Two Arizona boys, ages six and seven, stoned a kitten before hanging it with a controller cord, reports AZfamily.com.

As the boys were playing Grand Theft Auto prior to harming the animal, infamous Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio blames the game for their actions.

"This game allows players to kill cops and rape women," Arpaio said. "It’s little wonder why they perpetrated such violence against that little animal."

Due to the boys' ages they can not be charged with a crime under Arizona state law. Similarly, Arizona Child Protective Services declined to get involved, claiming the crime was outside the criteria necessary to invoke the agency's interference.

"This level of animal abuse at such a young age could be a predictor of worse violence in the future," Arpaio said.

In an effort to prevent further criminal activities, Arpaio has requested that any qualified child counseler willing to volunteer their services to aid the duo contact his office as soon as possible.

"Though it is a little unusual for us to get involved in this way, we’re doing whatever we can to find the guidance these two boys need to avoid that," he added.

Image courtesy Rockstar Games

2 boys use video game controller wire to hang kitten [AZfamily, via GamePolitics]