So over 10 years of violent video games and I'm supposed to be desensitized? That isn't true at all, at least not for all people. I hate violence, every form of it. I don't like hearing about it, I don't like seeing it (video games are fine.. it's a game) and I would never, ever become violent unless it was out of self defense. Even then, I can't hit someone back when I get punched in the face, it's happened. I'd rather be the one who wont face violence. Perhaps it's quite different for you. I have had a lot of real violence in my life, perhaps for some, it would cause them to become violent also, but for me, I run from it.
News reports here always say video games make people violent, kids steal cars and run people over because of the games or kids go and kill school mates because of games. IMO, there is something wrong with the person, mentally if they think that's fun.

Abuse in any form, whether to animals or to children or other people should be a crime that is punished to the highest extent. I don't care if it's a "stupid animal", if it's not doing anything to you, leave it alone.