07.04.25
“The safest communities for people are those where animals are protected”
The UK is a nation of pet lovers. In 2024, 60% of UK households had at least one pet – amounting to over 12 million dogs, and 11 million cats.
For many, pets are a source of comfort, joy, and love. For others, they are even a lifeline.
The link between animal abuse and domestic violence
Sadly, in domestic abuse cases, this strong bond is often exploited. Abusers use threats and harm against pets as a tool of coercive control. Many survivors are forced to stay in dangerous situations, simply out of fear for their beloved pet’s safety.
Their fear is justified. In fact, 75% of abused women with companion animals report that their pet has been threatened or harmed by their partner. Distressingly, children are present in over 90% of these cases.
Research shows that animal abuse is rarely an isolated crime. Those who harm animals frequently go on to harm people, yet without proper training, frontline officers may miss key warning signs.
Taking Action
Awareness of this issue is growing, and we’re honoured to be a part of the movement for change.
Just last week, our Campaign Manager, Mark, attended an event in Parliament for the launch of the Ruby’s Law research document – a proposed legal change written by Barrister Christina Warner, that would recognise the link between animal abuse and domestic violence. This law is named after Ruby, Christina’s beloved cat whose support and unconditional love underpinned her mission to ensure that no victim is left unprotected.
The UK is Falling Behind
Our ‘Protect Animals. Protect People’ campaign is calling for mandatory police training on this issue. Officers must be equipped to recognise the link, intervene early, and protect both human and animal victims.
Other countries are already taking action. France and Greece have introduced police training on the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence.
The UK is falling behind – but with your help, we can change that.
Will You Help Us?
By using our pre-written template, you can email your Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and demand mandatory training for officers. The more people who take action, the stronger our message will be.
Take Action Now
Together, we can create a safe future for both people and animals.
