lets say child is 10, you came around the corner and spied her/him squeezing your parakeet until it was out of air. instead of screaming you open and shut the door down the hall, as if you seen nothing and just entered the room. you say "honey why is the bird screaming?" " just feeding the bird" they say
I will say this. Don't ask the child for the answer you already know. I know from experience and analyzing my environment. The first thing this sets up is a barrier between you and the child-you can't fathom the behavior and they are doing it. Second, it causes the child to distrust you, spying-sooner or later, they will catch you watching, and continue their routine of lying because it is routine. Third, you are giving the child power to this- they will know you already know the answer to the question you are asking them, and lie because you have placed the ball in their court by asking a question. To a child, you must be knowing and sure-not questioning and suspicious.
And yes, I thought my son's cousin was destined for harmful things, until I had my second son. All children are different, but not only was my second son hurting our kitty, but my oldest was hurting my youngest. Let me add, while I was out of the room, and 'no one' was watching.
I put an end to it. For a week, my oldest was not allowed in a room alone with the youngest. I told him I could no longer trust him to help and protect his brother. I told him his brother trusted him and loved him and didn't want to be hurt by him.
I also believe all children while growing up experiment with EVERYTHING. From poo to food, why not living things? They're just trying to see how all this big world works, but you'd have a lot better luck by letting the child in on your knowledge, instead of sneaking around waiting to see what happens. Instead control what happens. Just trying to help. I have been there.