I heard some disturbing news about a barbaric mutilation of dogs in my area...?

I live in south Fla and they just arrested a 18 year old boy for the suspected mutilation/killings of almost 40 cats (38 or in that range). He had to undergo a psychiatric evaluation but I believe he may already be out on bail. People who are serial killers often start out harming animals, so it can potentially lead to worse things. Don't know the laws re guns and protection, but certainly don't leave them unattended (the dogs, or the gun).