MPs urged to back Ruby’s Law and protect pets used as ‘weapons’ in domestic abuse

Campaigners are urging animal lovers to contact their MPs ahead of a crucial parliamentary push to protect pets and human victims of domestic abuse.

Ruby’s Law, which seeks to strengthen legal protections for companion animals in abusive households, is due to receive its second reading in Parliament in October.

Ahead of that debate, MPs are being invited to a drop-in event at the House of Commons on September 8, where they will be able to learn more about the proposed legislation and hear why campaigners believe urgent reform is needed.

Research cited by the campaign found that animals were also abused in 90 per cent of households experiencing domestic abuse in England and Wales. In 12 per cent of those homes, the pet was killed.

Campaigners warn that perpetrators can use dogs and other animals to threaten, intimidate and control their partners.

Victims may delay leaving an abusive relationship, or even return to a dangerous home, because they fear what will happen to their pets or cannot find safe accommodation that will accept them.

Ruby’s Law aims to remove that “impossible choice” by explicitly recognising and protecting pets within domestic abuse and family law proceedings.

The campaign is seeking three key changes: legal recognition of pets as household members affected by domestic abuse; protective measures covering their care and wellbeing during court proceedings; and clear responsibilities for courts making decisions involving animals.

Its proposals include expanding non-molestation orders under the Family Law Act 1996 so they can explicitly cover pets.

Campaigners also want occupation orders to include provisions allowing courts to decide who should retain care of an animal and how that pet should be kept safe.

Ruby’s Law is additionally calling for the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to recognise more clearly that harming or threatening a pet can be used as a form of coercive or controlling behaviour.

The campaign was the subject of an Early Day Motion in November 2025 and received support from MPs across different political parties.

On March 10, 2026, Ruth Jones MP introduced the Domestic Abuse (Pets) Bill in the House of Commons, formally bringing the campaign’s proposals into the parliamentary process.

Ruby’s Law was founded by Christina Warner, a family barrister who has combined her experience in family law with her interest in animal protection and the connection between violence towards people and animals.

Christina said: “Animal abuse in the context of domestic abuse can take many forms: threats to harm an animal, restricting access to veterinary treatment, withholding food or medication, taking a pet away, or threatening to kill an animal.

“But, while Ruby’s Law is about animal welfare, it is not simply that. It is also about family safety, domestic abuse and access to justice.

“Ruby’s Law seeks to remove the impossible choice between personal safety and the safety of a beloved animal.

“Please encourage your MP to go along on September 8. Every conversation with an MP helps demonstrate that this is not a niche animal-welfare issue, but a genuine gap in the protection available to domestic abuse survivors and their pets.”

Members of the public are now being asked to email or write to their MPs, encouraging them to attend the drop-in event.

A template letter is available on the Ruby’s Law website and can be adapted to include a request for the MP to attend the event at the House of Commons on September 8.

To contact your MP and support the campaign, visit: https://www.rubyslaw.co.uk/take-action#write-mp

More information about Ruby’s Law is available at https://www.rubyslaw.co.uk/