There is a little known honor code among the thieves and thugs in our jails and prisons.
While they've all done bad things, there are those who find themselves facing a different kind of punishment behind bars.
We're talking about those who abuse children and animals.
Strange as it may seem, for those who've burglarized homes or robbed convenience stores, there is a moral distinction between what they've done, and those who choose to victimize the truly innocent.
Child molesters often find themselves beaten by other criminals who, despite their own crimes, remain disgusted with the act of hurting a child. Animal abusers face similar fates.
Which is why Jeremy Tuffly could have a tough time in jail.
Tuffly, we reported Tuesday, is charged with trying to feed a kitten to a python, hoping the snake would attack and eat the animal. When that didn't work, he simply drop-kicked the animal, killing it.
He told ABC15 News on Tuesday night the animal had been injured, and he was trying to "put it out of its misery."
Those who've studied animal abusers suggest they get a certain gratification in violence, and often escalate to harming people. It's widely reported most serial killers start off by abusing animals.
I suppose you could argue they're mentally ill, perhaps abused as children, perhaps failing to understand what they're doing is wrong. You could say they need help.
I say they're just evil.
There is little evidence to suggest animal abusers are mentally incompetent. There's nothing to suggest they don't understand the difference between right and wrong. In fact, they do, as evidenced by the fact they try to hide their crimes, or even try to justify them.
No, they're not insane, merely perverse in the way they gain pleasure through destroying the most defenseless. Anyone who finds gratification through suffering and cruelty is the very definition of evil.
I know no one can advocate the honor-among-thieves system. Of course not. If he's convicted, sheriff's officers will exercise discretion in procedure and place Tuffly where they see fit.
Security protocols will be followed, and supervision will be rendered.
And perhaps, Jeremy Tuffly will understand the cruelty and abhorrence of his actions.
And justice will be served.
