SMITH COUNTY - Earlier this week, we first told you about a rash of animal killings in Rusk County.

We spoke with a therapist who says animal abuse is quite common here in East Texas.

Brenda McBride says, "The sad truth is, these people very often don't have a conscience and don't verbalize feeling remorseful at all."

We've seen it a lot here in East Texas.

Serious reports of animal abuse.

In August, more than a dozen dog carcasses were discovered in Smith County.

Constables believe they could be left-overs from illegal dog fighting.

Constable Henry Jackson says, "It's a sin and disgrace. Our citizens are doing this."

And in the last month, a puppy mill in Upshur County sparked quite the investigation.

Hundreds of animals were found- abused-- malnutrioned and nearly dead.

And just this week, a Rusk County neighborhood outraged.

Their pets are turning up dead.

Nicole Brady-Hunt says, "When I lifted her up, the body fell away from the other puppy that was also beaten. The head that was decapitated was laying in the food bowl."

All are examples of some of the worst kinds of animal abuse.

They are all done by people.

Brenda McBride is a therapist with the East Texas Behavioral Health Center.

McBride says, "A huge indicator of a person abusing humans usually starts with a pattern of abusing animals at an early age."

She tells us at an early age, there are several factors that lead to this kind of abuse.

Like no bond with a loved one growing up.

Physical and sexual abuse in the home are also factors.

McBride says, "Animals can't say no, and animals can't say who hurt them"

Brenda says if it's not addressed at a young age, there will be problems in the future.

McBride says, "You can't grow a conscience when you're an adult."

Brenda says if a child or adult is caught abusing an animal, she usually requires in-patient treatment.