akbound, who'd have thought that you and I would end up on the same page and actually agree on something? (Just kidding, of course!)
Laws are made to be followed. If that youngster continues to poach animals, whether he's poaching big game or small, that could just create a bigger excuse for his so-called "parents" to blow even more money on things other than food.
Additionally, I taught public school for 4 years and my wife is still in education. We've both seen the results when an innocent child makes bad decisions when they're young, only to find that the world isn't as fair and nicey-nice once they grow up!
I say teach the boy a lesson now to avoid bigger problems down the road!