He is convinced the new Maine law not only helps protect women and animals, but also will benefit children.

Frequently, abusive men will hurt or kill the family pet in front of children, which can emotionally damage youngsters.

"Kids identify very strongly with animals," Ascione said. "They think, 'If Dad or my Mom's boyfriend can do this to our dog, what is he capable of doing to us?' "

Temma Martin, spokeswoman for Salt Lake County Animal Services, also applauded Maine's new law.

"In many cases, the victim is isolated from family and friends and the pet may be the only source of comfort the victim has, which makes the victim much more vulnerable," she said. "The abuser can say, 'Go ahead and leave, but you won't like what happens to the dog.' "

Salt Lake County Animal Services has a Safe Pets/Safe People program for women who enter a domestic violence shelter that doesn't accept pets: They can board their animals for as long as a month if they produce official proof of an abuse investigation, such as a police report number.

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E-mail: lindat@desnews.com