Pets and Domestic Violence: Ruby’s Law

Unfortunately pets and domestic violence commonly feature together. 

For many people, pets are beloved members of the family. Perpetrators of domestic violence know this all too well and use it to manipulate, coerce and abuse their victims.  

When seeking protection, survivors of domestic abuse can turn to the police or the family courts for assistance. However, the family courts have limited powers when it comes to protecting your pet from the perpetrator.

The Family Law Act 1996 and Domestic Abuse Act 2021 protect people from violence, but they do not protect your pet. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 allows for criminal liability for animal cruelty, but not where they are used as a tool for blackmail or are withheld from you, as part of the continuation of abuse upon separation. This leaves many animals in an extremely vulnerable position. 

According to surveys carried out by Dogs Trust (Dogs Trust), over 94% of domestic abuse cases involve pets being used as a tool of coercion by the perpetrator. 

What is Ruby’s Law?  

Ruby’s Law is an ongoing campaign to reform the law in England and Wales founded by Barrister, Christina Warner.

The campaign seeks to introduce amendments to the Family Law Act 1996 to include pets within non-molestation. Non-molestation is an injunction designed to protect you from violence, harassment, intimidation or threats by a former/current partner or family member. Occupation orders are a temporary order that can force someone to move out or live in a certain area of the family home. The campaign wants to change the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to recognise that threats or harm to pets is a form of coercive or economic abuse.  The campaign aims to change the law so that it recognises animals as vulnerable household members. This campaign goes hand in hand with the work “Pets on Divorce: working group” are doing with encouraging the law to accept that pets are “sentient” beings. Please read our blog on “Pets on Divorce and Separation” at Pets on Divorce for more information.  

What does Ruby’s Law have to with Domestic Violence? 

Christina Warner, the founder of Ruby’s Law researched the link between domestic and pet related violence. She found that 90% of households experiencing domestic abuse in England and Wales also reported abuse towards animals. In 12% of those households, a pet was killed. 

Parliament are now considering the “Domestic Abuse (Pets) Bill” because of the campaign. You can find out more about the status of the Bill at Domestic Abuse (Pets) Bill. 

Why do we need Ruby’s Law?  

Many domestic abuse shelters do not permit victims fleeing domestic abuse to bring their pets. As is often the case, pets provide companionship and reduce feelings of isolation. Therefore, survivors often find themselves staying in abusive relationships because they fear for their pet’s safety. 

Victims of domestic abuse will likely feel more confident and/or able to leave an abusive relationship if they know their pets are protected under the law. With the proposed changes, psychological abuse by threatening pets’ lives and safety would be explicitly addressed in court orders, with the intention of minimising barriers to leave abusive relationships.  

Where does this leave me and my pet if we have nowhere to live?  

There are several charities that offer temporary fostering services for pets belonging to victims of domestic abuse. These organisations can care for your pet while you secure safe accommodation.

Examples include;

• Refuge4Pets
• Dogs Trust Freedom Project
• Lifeline

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available for all those who have concerns about their safety and can be reached by calling 0808 2000 247. 

Legal Advice About Pet Custody and Domestic Abuse

If a former partner, spouse, friend or family member is refusing to return your pet, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A member of our Pet Custody team can discuss your options and help you understand the legal position. Please contact us on 0333 344 6302.