This is VERY possible. But I think it would be more close to displacement, as sublimation is usually of a more positive nature and is a conscious mechanism.
On the other hand, displacement is more of an unconscious mechanism that goes on beneath the surface of our consciousness. Here's a good website to read:
http://www.coldbacon.com/defenses.html
I've been thinking about my defense mechanism comments some more, and I think sublimation via animal cruelty would fit quite nicely. (I know you probably could care less about this, but I wanted to say it anyway. :-)