Firstly, let me make it clear that I would never condone nor abide by anyone abusing any helpless animal...be it a dog, cat, bird or otherwise.
Regarding the recent abuse in DSO - whist this type of behavior is abhorrent, perhaps if the owners of these animals kept them under control, the instances of this type of attack might be reduced. I for one have an issue with other peoples cats (in particular cats) wondering into my garden/backyard area and using it as their private latrine. These free range cats also cause and are part of horrific fights between other home kept domestic cats and stray feral cats. I'm sure more than 1 or 2 of us have been subjected to the screeching and hissing at night.
I have heard the argument before, that cats are "roamers" and "hunters" thus requiring them to roam freely. That may be all well and good, but roam freely in their owners garden areas...not in other residents own.