In fiction, a character killing a puppy is short hand for irredeemable monster. Its one of few lines that when crossed, the audience will not accept their possible heel turn. It is a fundamental human trait. Even in situations where a hero kills an attack dog in self defense it’s imperative that not only is it emphasized that the hero has no choice, but the necessity of this situation negatively impact the hero, specifically to not lose the connection with the audience.

For example, The puppy getting killed in John Whick was in the story because the audience would find rooting for John as he goes on a prolific murder spree hard just because he got beat up, and has his car stolen. But after the dog died, you have literally everyone immediately primed for a 2 hour reverse horror movie.

I say this because you currently are seeing a political party using the unnecessary murder of a puppy for the sake of convenience and as a show of … “ChArAcTeR” to speak to their base.

An individual may be psychopathic which could be considered a medical condition. But for a political party? Thats mask off.