Children And Animals ─ Exploring the Roots of Kindness

Animal abuse has been an acknowledged problem for centuries, but only within the past few decades has scientific research provided evidence that the maltreatment of animals often overlaps with violence toward people. The perpetrators of such inhumane treatment are often children and adolescents. This book presents current wisdom about the relationship between the maltreatment of animals and violence directed toward other human beings. The author, a noted expert in these areas, writes in a style and presents the findings in a language that will be understandable to parents and teachers.

Frank Ascione is a Professor of Psychology and adjunct Professor of Family, Consumer, and Human Development at Utah State University. Ascione received the 2001 Distinguished Scholar Award from the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction and the International Society for Anthrozoology, and in 2002, was selected as USU's College of Education Scholar/Researcher of the Year. Ascione serves on the Child and Animal Abuse Prevention Advisory Council of the Latham Foundation. During his career, he has published several books including Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence: Readings in Research and Application (1998), Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, and Animal Abuse: Linking the Circles of Compassion for Prevention and Intervention (1998), both by Purdue University Press, and authored Safe Havens for Pets: Guidelines for Programs Sheltering Pets for Women Who Are Battered.