Yeah, you can kill an animal brutally and the most you will get isup to a year in jail (which never happens) and a fine. Big fricken deal! People make me so angry and that is why I have a hard time feeling the same compassion for them as I do for the animal kingdom.
As for the pup, I thought about adopting him, but I didn't want him trapped in an apartment with no yard to run. I have two cats now, but no dogs for this reason. I always see these big dogs in this complex and I feel for them. They want to run and play, not be kept on a leash and walked. I refuse to get my rotwiler (sp?) until I get a house with a nice big yard!

As for the earthworms, I am not sure if they are running from predators, but I know the eain brings them out and then they fry under the hot FL sun. If I see them, I will put them back in the grass so they have a chance of living...they can run away in the grass ya know?
Wow you are really thoughtful. Well I have a dog and he seems to like it in here, so I think. I do agree with you though about getting a bigger house so that they can have the backyard all to themselves.