 It is believed the attackers climbed over the fence at the zoo |
An MP has called for action to be taken against three youths who kicked a young wallaby to death - even though two are too young to be prosecuted. Dudley North MP Ross Cranston described the attack on the five-month-old wallaby at Dudley Zoo as barbaric.
West Midlands Police have questioned three boys about the incident, two who are under the age of 10. The third suspect is 11-year-old.
Mr Cranston said the children could be the subject of a Child Safety Order.
 |  These children must be made to realise that this type of behaviour is barbaric and unacceptable  |
The incident, last Wednesday, was captured on CCTV and three children aged between eight and 11 were arrested shortly afterwards.
Staff at Dudley Zoo said the five-month old marsupial had been thrown into a pond after the attack.
Labour MP Mr Cranston, a former barrister and solicitor general, said the children could be made subject to the order under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
Mr Cranston said: "I am deeply concerned that children this young have the opportunity to commit such acts - no doubt many local people will be wondering where their parents were at the time.
"I do not believe that stigmatising and criminalising children this young is the best way to prevent a repeat of such behaviour.
"However, these children must be made to realise that this type of behaviour is barbaric and unacceptable."
'Exceptional circumstances'
He added: "The local authority must apply to the magistrates' court for an order.
"The purpose is to place the child under the supervision of the local authority which can require him or her to carry out tasks to prevent future behaviour of this kind.
"The orders last for three months or longer in exceptional circumstances.
"Where there are concerns about the care provided by parents, a Parenting Order can be made where a Child Safety Order has also been made."
Mr Cranston said he would be writing to local police chief superintendent, Dennis Hodson, and to the director of social services to ask them to work together to ensure the incident is properly investigated and that necessary action is taken.
It is believed the three children climbed over a fence to get into the zoo.
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