Concerning Squirrels: Beast? Nay or Aye? Make up your mind!

Labeled for reuse "Geograph"

A few months ago I read this article: "Weird moment callous French thugs lure a squirrel to the edge of the Grand Canyon using bread crumbs... then boot it off the edge," according to the DailyMail. Breathe. So let me get this straight, some French tourist decides to go to the Grand Canyon, doesn't sound all to uncommon; then he sees a squirrel, and then decides the most logical thing to do, is kick it off the edge. Oh, and all the whilst thinking this, he and his 'pal' are just wearing boxer shorts.

I'm struggling to come up with an explanation for this type of cruelty. What needs to go through your mind to feel like this is acceptable behavior?

Let me try to break it down.

1. Visit Grand Canyon, for tourists, it's basically a requirement.
1. So far so good.
2. See a cute squirrel.
1. Who doesn't think squirrels are adorable?
3. Get some food out to feed the squirrel
1. Awww.
4. Start making a trail of food for the squirrel
1. Hmmmm....
5. Watch the squirrel start to nibble on the food
1. Don't trust strange men squirrel...
6. Move the trail towards the edge of the ledge. 
1. Excuse me sir, what are you trying to do-
7. Boot the squirrel of the edge.
1. Do you have an issue?!?!?

If you see the video, it's quite evident that this 'booting' was anything but accidental. It was a deliberate kicking of the squirrel. 

People seem to think animals don't deserve the same respect as we do. Yet, as soon as a shark [or insert other animal, frequently attacked by the media] attacks a human, this is deemed unacceptable. If you think animals are beasts, don't turn around and hold them to the same societal laws as humans. You can't have it both ways. 

I only have one comment for people who don't seem to have anything better to do, than torture animals: have fun sleeping at night.