(5/4/99)

In the aftermath of the Littleton shooting, allegations arose that one of the teen gunmen mutilated animals.

The accused school killers in Mississippi, Arkansas and Oregon also had hostories of animal abuse.

Psychologists say the disturbing behavior is a sign we can't ignore. News Specialist Jed Boal has the story.

A dog trembles with fear. A cat lets out a haunting howl.

Psychologists say abused animals are usually a sign that somewhere there's a troubled human.

Doctor Frank Ascione has studied the link between animal abuse and human violence for years. Today he talked with professionals who confront animal abuse.

He calls it a sure sign of trouble. "If it's frequent. Those children may go on to abuse human beings."

The workers at the shelter say this dog was a victim of abuse. The psychologist says many people have done something bad to an animal, but, if the abuse is chronic, it's a cry for help.

Dr.Ascione says, "We don't need to set up a new program for mental health to deal with animal abuse, but we need to find out how we can help kids who act out in a variety of ways."

Animal Services investigates 8,000 to 10,000 cases each year.

Ascione says abused animals lead to abused humans. His recent research on battered women supports that.

"Women who come to shelters report very high rates of their partners having abused animals," the doctor says.

Animal control officer D.J. Summit says everyone can help break the cycle of violence.

"We count on the community to watch and let us know," he says.

The psychologist says these animals can actually help curb violence if we learn to read the signs.

Salt Lake County Animal Services hopes to establish a network of professionals from various fields who can help tackle the problem.