A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy who brutally killed his neighbour's pet rabbit has become the first person in the country to be ordered to attend a special course to turn him into an animal lover.

Magistrates in Oldham made the landmark ruling after hearing how the youngster, along with two other children, grabbed the pet by its ears and slammed it onto a block of wood.

They then kicked and stamped on the rabbit, breaking every bone in its body. The boy, who is in foster care and lives with two dogs and two cats, cannot be named for legal reasons.

He appeared at Oldham Youth Court for sentencing after earlier pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

In addition to the animal kindness course, the boy was banned from buying or owning a pet for two years and told to see a psychiatrist.

He must also apologise to his neighbour, whose own children were left distraught by the rabbit's death, as part of the action plan.

The two other children involved, aged eight and nine, were too young to be prosecuted for the attack.

Magistrate Geoff Millard ordered the boy to attend a series of RSPCA workshops, which would "give an understanding of what animals need and what sort of treatment they definitely don't need."

The RSPCA welcomed the ruling, saying they hoped to establish similar courses across the country.

As reported in the Manchester Evening News this week, he animal charity has commissioned Manchester Metropolitan University to do a study of violence against animals by children after an alarming rise in juvenile cruelty.

Sue Dawson, RSPCA regional education officer, said: "A child has never before been referred to us from a court. This is a landmark case.

"Violence against animals is on the increase and it must be addressed."

The boy will attend sessions on a one to one basis for three months. At first, experts will look at what animals he likes and dislikes and why. The youngster may even visit animals to help confront any problems.

Ms Dawson said: "In some cases, it can take a long time, but we have had some amazing results.

"We are not saying it will make the child perfect, but it is positive in that it help develop respect, understanding and empathy for animals."

The course was set up six years ago, but until now children have only been referred to the RSPCA by social services and youth offending teams.

After the court case, the boy's foster mother said: "I have never been so upset. He's not a cruel boy and he wouldn't be sitting here with my dogs and cats if he was."

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