Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that those who harm pets in the context of domestic abuse are prosecuted accordingly.

The Domestic Abuse Act provides for the first legal definition of domestic abuse which can encompass a wide range of behaviours that can affect many aspects of a victim’s life and relationships, including those with pets.

The Act also amended the definition of ‘personally connected’ which removed the ‘living together’ requirement for the controlling or coercive behaviour offence. This means, as of Spring 2022, the offence will now apply to intimate partners, ex-partners or family members, regardless of whether the victim and perpetrator live together.

The draft Domestic Abuse Statutory Guidance published for consultation, and the upcoming Controlling or Coercive Behaviour Guidance, both recognise domestic abuse can involve violence or threats against pets, including to control, coerce or cause distress to victims. The guidance seek to support agencies in identifying and responding to domestic abuse and reducing risk to victims.

Finalised Domestic Abuse Guidance will be issued after all of the relevant updates have been made. The Controlling or Coercive Behaviour Guidance will be published for consultation shortly.