Violent 4 year old child?

This is very serious. Tell Sandy that if she doesn't get Tristian professional help, YOU will. And mean it. If Tristian does this as a 4-year-old, for heaven's sake, when he's supposed to be playing with trains and cars, he WILL do it as an older child. And he probably won't stop with torturing animals. So don't leave your kids for a minute with this child alone until he gets some help and can control this alarming problem. If money is an issue, go to your state. They can't really take Tristian away from Sandy if Sandy is willing to help her son get better.