Police Urged to Recognize How Pets Are Used in Domestic Abuse

Pets aren’t just family — they can be lifelines. But for many survivors of domestic violence, they’re also another way abusers maintain control. According to a recent report by Naturewatch Foundation, only 60% of police forces in England and Wales train officers on how animals are used as tools of coercive control in domestic abuse situations. This is despite more than half of UK households having at least one pet.

Mark Randell, a former senior detective now with Naturewatch, warns that perpetrators often manipulate, threaten, or harm animals to intimidate their victims. “It could be to say ‘if you leave me I will hurt your dog,’” he explained. For many survivors, their bond with their pets becomes a reason they feel unable to leave. Without police recognising the full emotional dynamics, critical warning signs may be missed.

Samantha Billingham, a domestic abuse survivor and campaigner, shared a chilling example — her abusive partner once killed their pet bird to punish her for defying him. She now runs training and Support sessions and says many professionals still overlook how central pets are in coercive relationships.

The charity’s “One Response” report has been shared with Scotland Yard, urging mandatory training for all frontline officers. Campaigners are also calling for more domestic abuse refuges that accept pets — a critical lifeline for those trying to escape violent homes.

If we truly care about animals and people, we must treat this as what it is: a public health crisis. Support efforts that protect all victims — furry or human — by demanding stronger policies, better training, and compassionate refuge solutions. Let’s build a world where no one is trapped by fear for their safety or their pet’s.

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