Met detective honoured for protecting abuse victims and the pets used to control them
A Metropolitan Police detective who has championed the protection of domestic abuse victims and their pets has been honoured by an animal welfare charity.
Detective Sergeant Viran Wiltshire KPM received Naturewatch Foundation’s prestigious Challenge Coin for her work highlighting how abusers can threaten and harm animals to control their owners.
The award was presented at New Scotland Yard in London on Tuesday, October 20, as campaigners also took their call for Holly’s Law to Parliament.
For people living with domestic abuse, a beloved pet can be a vital source of comfort. But the threat of violence against that animal can also become a powerful weapon, leaving victims frightened to escape.
Naturewatch Foundation said DS Wiltshire had helped bring greater recognition of that connection into policing and safeguarding, supporting efforts to protect both people and animals.
Mark Randell, the charity’s Protect Animals. Protect People. campaign lead and a former Detective Inspector, said: “Viran is a huge credit to the Metropolitan Police. Her leadership supports all victims of domestic abuse, whether adults, children or animals, who so often live in a coercive and controlling environment.
“Viran has been pivotal in helping the Protect Animals. Protect People campaign reach within the Metropolitan Police and beyond.”
The presentation came on a day of campaigning for Holly’s Law, named in memory of Holly Bramley, 26, who was murdered by her husband in 2023.
Before her death, her husband had killed her pets and had a history of animal cruelty, according to Naturewatch Foundation.
The charity’s campaign highlights the link between cruelty to animals and violence towards people, and the importance of recognising it when protecting those at risk.
At a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group, Holly’s mother, Annette Bramley, spoke about the devastating loss of her daughter and the need to prevent similar tragedies.
Her emotional contribution received a standing ovation.
The meeting was also attended by Dame Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales. MPs Sir John Hayes and Danny Chambers delivered speeches supporting Holly’s Law.
Naturewatch Foundation chief executive Sarah Carr praised DS Wiltshire’s commitment to tackling abuse.
She said: “Our Challenge Coin honours those making an exceptional difference for animals. My sincere thanks to Detective Sergeant Viran Wiltshire KPM for her dedication and steadfast commitment to tackling violence against people and animals.
“Congratulations on receiving this well-deserved award.”
A maximum of four Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coins are awarded each year, recognising people whose work goes above and beyond to advance animal welfare.
For more information about the campaign and Holly’s Law, visit https://naturewatch.org/campaigns/protect-animals-protect-people/
