Paul Frew pushes for tougher laws on pets used in domestic abuse

Paul Frew MLA with Tara Cunningham, manager Causeway Coast Dog Rescue, with Archie the dog taking centre stage,  as they lead the pathway for Rubys Law in Northern Ireland.

Animals used to control and terrorise victims of domestic abuse could soon receive stronger legal protection in Northern Ireland under proposed changes tabled by North Antrim MLA Paul Frew.

The amendments to the Justice Bill would make it an aggravating offence to hurt — or threaten to hurt — an animal connected to a victim or their children as part of coercive control or domestic abuse.

The proposals would also allow animals to be included in non-molestation orders for the first time, recognising what campaigners say is a growing and often hidden pattern of abuse inside households.

The move has been backed by animal welfare advocates behind Ruby’s Law, who argue that violence or threats against pets are frequently used by perpetrators to manipulate, intimidate and trap victims in abusive relationships.

‘Brutal realities of coercive control’

Mr Frew said the legislation needed to evolve to reflect the reality facing many victims and families.

He said:

“I have tabled these amendments to the Justice Bill because I see first hand how animals have been used and abused by perpetrators to coerce their victims.

“I played a part in protecting children who were being used as leverage and being threatened by perpetrators in the last mandate on a similar piece of legislation and now it’s time that legislation was strengthened to include animals.

“It’s important that legislation continues to evolve to recognise the brutal realities of coercive control and the impact abusing animals can have on the victims and their own children who may well love that animal and be responsible for caring for it.”

The proposed changes would represent a significant expansion of how domestic abuse is legally recognised in Northern Ireland, particularly in cases where pets are targeted as a form of emotional control.

Campaigners say abusers often exploit victims’ emotional attachment to animals, with some survivors delaying leaving dangerous situations because they fear what may happen to family pets.

Ruby’s Law campaign gains momentum

The amendments are closely linked to the wider Ruby’s Law campaign, which seeks stronger protections for companion animals caught up in domestic abuse situations across the UK and Ireland.

Tara Cunningham, manager of Causeway Coast Dog Rescue (CCDR) and advocate leading work for Ruby’s Law in Northern Ireland, said the issue went far beyond animal welfare alone.

She said:

“As an animal welfare charity, our focus is to protect all companion animals that may come into our care.

“Ruby’s Law is about recognising that abuse towards animals is often intrinsically linked to coercive control, domestic abuse and the wider trauma experienced by victims and survivors.

“We are proud to be leading a wider programme for animal welfare reform in Northern Ireland while also supporting Ruby’s Law across Great Britain and Ireland through greater awareness, safeguarding and legislative progress.”

Ms Cunningham said delivering meaningful change would require cooperation across multiple agencies and departments.

“Ruby’s Law requires a multidisciplinary approach to ensure it is fully delivered and enforced, as I have personally met with representatives of a number of Departments in Stormont and police, they all recognise the need and the benefits of what this can deliver in our communities,” she said.

“This is about protecting both people and animals while ensuring survivors are heard, believed and supported.”

Focus on children and family trauma

Campaigners say the psychological impact on children who witness abuse against family pets can be severe and long-lasting.

CCDR said evidence increasingly points to links between animal abuse, coercive control and wider domestic violence within households.

The organisation also thanked Mr Frew for bringing the issue into current legislative discussions and highlighting what campaigners describe as an overlooked area of domestic abuse law.

The amendments now form part of ongoing scrutiny around the Justice Bill and could become part of future domestic abuse protections in Northern Ireland if supported during the legislative process.

For more information on Ruby’s Law, visit: www.rubyslaw.co.uk

More information on CCDR is available at: www.causewaycoastdogrescue.org

The proposals come amid growing calls for domestic abuse legislation to better recognise the wider patterns of coercive behaviour that can exist inside homes — including the use of threats against animals to isolate, intimidate and control victims.