I think violent computer games could cause some kids to do such vile things in real life.
See, this is an assumption that really irritates me.
Whenever people see a nutjob who does something terrible, who happens to have played (or even been obsessed with) a computer game, they assume it must be the game that caused it. The game's involved, sure, but it's not the initiator - you have to be pretty messed up in the first place to be influenced by a computer game, or use it to play out your fantasies, and if it isn't that it'll be something else (like a film or something). This is not the same thing as computer games 'causing' kids to do stuff.
Sorry. I get a little soapboxy on this subject...
Anyway, back on topic: The kids did something wrong. That's clear enough. But I've said this before and I'll say it again: It was a dog. This does not warrant bloodlust, or wiping out a community. I reiterate: it does deserve punishment, but Jesus Christ who's going to miss a dog?
I've always found it a little bizarre that people seem to like animals better than other people. Granted, I'm not exactly a fan of either, but it still strikes me as a bit strange.