We're continuing to follow a disturbing case of animal cruelty out of Youngstown, after three children, aged five, seven and 12, were accused of stabbing a Cane Corso through a gap in the fence on Helena Avenue Sunday.

It's a shocking revelation to learn that a child could do something so horrific. In most animal cruelty cases, the suspects are charged and prosecuted for their alleged actions. However, since these suspects are all so extremely young, the legal process is less than clear.

"In twenty eight years, I've never seen anything locally with the situation of someone at the age of 5, 6, 7 years old," Mahoning County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy William Cappabianca said. "In many states, the age of criminality is 12 years old or more so individuals that do commit crimes that are underneath the age of 12, rarely is prosecution brought to them it's usually a system throughout the juvenile court system which takes them down a path of learning and why it was wrong," he said.

When it comes down to the psychology behind young children committing such a serious crime, a doctor tells 21 News well rounded treatment is key here and parenting is a significant aspect.

"When a two or three or five year old or seven year old is referred to me with these behaviors I work with the parents and send a very strong message to them that you need to intercede now because these behaviors are going to get worse," Dr. David Chiarella, pediatric and adolescent psychologist said. "Child's going to get bigger, you know you can manage them physically now but as they get bigger it's going to be more difficult," he said.

Dr. Chiarella said it might be necessary to intervene in more ways than one.

"It depends on what kind of environmental changes can you make? How can you change how you parent, how can you change what happens in the school, you know what kinds of behavioral therapy can you provide for that child, the parent," he said.

As for the condition of the dog, it's still touch and go.

"Losing that much blood does come with some challenges and they still have to make sure that the injuries to his abdomen or his GI tract haven't been compromised that would put him in a life threatening situation," Jane MacMurchy, executive director of Animal Charity of Ohio said. "Unfortunately, he has been vomiting so much blood since the incident occurred, there has been concern on if he ingested or has wounds deeper in his throat," she said.

It's unclear if the dog will survive. 

Animal Charity of Ohio is currently taking donations to help Nico. If you'd like to donate, click here.