The man accused of beating his dog to “discipline” him is in need of psychological evaluation and treatment (“Ypsilanti man accused in dog attack rejects plea,” July 17).

Like those with humans, our relationships with animals are complex. This man adopted and then shortly later abused the animal. Anyone whose ambivalence is acted out with such anger and lack of empathy needs, in addition to punishment, professional intervention to ensure that such violence is neither repeated nor escalated. It is not uncommon for people who lash out at animals to likewise harm human beings.

AniCare is a therapeutic program, available to judges overseeing animal cruelty cases, which is specially designed to get to the root of abusive behavior involving animals. It has been used in several Washtenaw County animal abuse cases. As a psychologist who is experienced in this subject, I think it is highly appropriate for use in this case, if Mr. Moore is convicted. Whatever factors contributed to this terrible act must be properly assessed and addressed to help prevent future violence.

Kenneth Shapiro Animals and Society Institute. Ann Arbor