How you can help
When violence against an animal is inflicted, either on purpose or recklessly, then society has a responsibility to consider what other dangers they may pose.
Domestic abuse isn’t just about physical harm to people - it often starts and ends with coercive control. Pets can become a tool for abuse: perpetrators may threaten, harm, or even kill animals to manipulate their victims, making it harder for them to leave.
Despite the fact that animal studies aren’t a reliable indicator of how a drug or chemical will work in people, a staggering 2.64 million experiments were carried out on animals in Great Britain in 2024.
Thousands of sentient creatures suffer and die in British laboratories every day. We don’t know what life is really like for these animals because Section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 – the so-called ‘Secrecy Clause’ – keeps it quiet.
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Coercive control
Notice the signs: remember the simple ABC
A – Appearance. Changes in how a person looks can signal stress or fear.
B – Behaviour: Sudden changes in mood or habits can indicate underlying abuse.
C – Conversation: Listen to what is being said – and what isn’t.
Then, check in on the family pet:
Ask yourself:
- Do they show physical signs like limping or matted fur?
- Are there behavioural changes, such as fearfulness or sudden aggression?
- Is their tail tucked, or do they flinch at human contact, avoid eye contact, or urinate when approached?
Domestic abuse is not merely a human emergency. Animals are often caught in the crossfire too. In homes shattered by domestic abuse, innocent animals suffer in silence.
You can help break the cycle of abuse. Support the Protect Animals. Protect People. campaign, and help protect families and their beloved pets.
Every act of compassion matters.
Hoe to spot the signs of coercive control
Sam Billingham talks through the ABCs of domestic abuse and why changes in a family pet can also signal abuse at home. By recognising the signs early, we can help protect both people and animals.
Campaign updates:
We sought to embed the animal–human abuse link into frontline practices
In 2023, the 44 websites run by police forces across England and Wales didn’t offer any advice to survivors of domestic abuse where pets had been harmed or threatened.
We wanted to make sure we made everyone aware of the harm that can be done to survivors of abuse when their pet is targeted.
We want to ensure that our campaign message is heard globally. In 2022, we presented to a subcommittee of the European Parliament about animals within domestic abuse.
We want to advance animal welfare in as many countries as possible and deliver awareness training as widely as possible on the need to take crimes against animals seriously.
We want to reach MPs to explain why animal welfare matters.
We sent Freedom of Information requests to every police force in England and Wales, and over 650 supporters emailed their MP calling for mandatory training on the role of pets within domestic abuse.
Ensure animals are properly included within all 270 Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences across England and Wales.
Advocate for Holly’s Law, including an animal abusers register, to improve access to information about those who harm animals.
Develop a joined‑up action plan that protects animals and safeguards people, aligned with government strategy.
Other ways to get involved
Useful links
- RSPCA: ‘Report cruelty or an animal in distress’
- Dogs Trust Freedom Project: ‘Supporting dog owners fleeing domestic violence’
- Cats Protection Paws Protect: ‘Pet-fostering service for families fleeing domestic abuse’
- Refuge For Pets: ‘Helping people and animals escape domestic abuse’
- Women’s Aid: ‘If you are affected by domestic abuse please consider your online safety when carrying out research. This link offers advice about protecting yourself.‘
How you can help
There are lots of ways to help with our work, from making a donation through to holding fundraising events or even getting involved as a volunteer. Below, you can explore the different ways to help us continue raising standards for animals.
Share your story and photos to help us celebrate the powerful bond between people and their animals.
This simple step would reduce harm to wildlife. Help us deliver this message directly to retailers who can make a real difference.
UK wildlife is under threat, yet crimes against it are treated as minor offences. Urgent legal reform is needed.
Join us in telling your local MP why a change in law is vital to protect our wildlife.
Join us in asking the UK Government to finally end animal testing for all everyday household products.
Unethical extreme designer pet trends are pushing cats and kittens to the limit.
Join us in calling for extreme cat breeding to be banned across the UK.
Your support helps us protect wildlife and tackle cruelty. Every donation makes a real impact.
Take part in a way that works for you, whether volunteering, fundraising or donating items, and help create a kinder future for animals.
