While I understand the upset that watching animals die may cause, I must say, I'm into the horror genre because I WANT to be shocked. I want to see the worst of everything. I enjoy the feeling of being disturbed, and I'm here to challenge film makers to do worse than the last guy. Yes, this probably makes me a sick fuck, but I'm comfortable with that. The animal cruelty was an important part of the film, as much as the infamous impalement. Were you shocked? Then it worked.