Ministers are facing urgent calls to change the law, as harrowing evidence reveals abusers are using threats and violence towards family pets to trap their victims.
The Lifeline That Becomes a Weapon
Cross-party MPs have demanded that pets be formally recognised in domestic abuse protection orders. This push comes as the Government prepares to finally publish its long-awaited Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy.
Campaigners warn that perpetrators are deliberately exploiting the deep bonds victims have with their animals to stop them from leaving abusive relationships. Labour MP Ruth Jones, who has tabled a motion calling for tougher laws, told of the grim reality.
"If you're an abused woman on your own, a pet is your lifeline. And you threaten to take that off them, the woman will stay and suffer all sorts," she said. "They're being told 'if you leave today, there's no telling what your dog will suffer. I'll post his ears to you', that sort of thing."
Shocking Scale of Animal-Focused Coercion
The demand for legal reform is backed by stark new data. In October, a major study by the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) analysed over 64,000 witness statements.
It found that one in 15 statements contained an explicit mention of threats, harm, or risk to pets. The charity concluded that this abuse acts as both a significant barrier to victims escaping and a clear marker of heightened danger.
Barrister Christina Warner, who leads the campaign for 'Ruby's Law'—named after her own cat—argued the law must catch up with this reality. "Ruby’s Law was born out of the heartbreaking reality that victims are staying in dangerous situations because their abuser is threatening or harming their pet," she said.
"Animals are family, and the law must reflect that. Protecting survivors means protecting the beings they love and rely on."
The Gaps in Current Protection
Campaigners point to critical flaws in the current legal framework. The existing Domestic Abuse Act does not explicitly recognise pet abuse as a form of coercive control.
Furthermore, there is no clear legal mechanism for transferring ownership of a pet to a survivor fleeing abuse. Courts are also not mandated to prioritise an animal's welfare when issuing orders.
This legal gap is compounded by a practical one: many refuges and shelters for domestic abuse survivors cannot accommodate animals. This forces traumatised individuals to make an impossible choice between their own safety and abandoning a beloved pet to potential harm.
Charlotte Woodward, author of the NCDV report, wrote: "For many victim-survivors, pets are a source of comfort, loyalty, and unconditional love. Perpetrators know this, and too often they exploit that bond."
She added: "Survivors should never have to choose between their safety and the safety of the animals they love."
With the updated VAWG strategy imminent, campaigners and MPs see a pivotal moment to act. Ms Warner stated: "We now have overwhelming evidence showing the link between domestic abuse and animal harm. Ministers have a clear opportunity to ensure that pets are included in protection orders, strengthening safety and reducing the avenues for coercive control."
