Boiling water on the dog, bleach in the fish tank – using beloved pets as instruments of fear, punishment and power in domestic violence cases is on the increase. Meet the women who are fighting for reform to protect the animals – and their owners
A feature investigates the rising use of household pets as tools of abuse in domestic violence cases, highlighting tactics such as scalding animals with boiling water or poisoning fish tanks with bleach to intimidate, punish or control partners. The piece focuses on campaigners and survivors pushing for legal and policy reform to better protect animals caught up in abusive relationships, arguing that harm to pets is often used as a warning sign or leverage against human victims too.
The article profiles women campaigning for changes that would formally recognise pet abuse as part of the pattern of coercive control in domestic violence, potentially strengthening protections for both animals and their owners. It reflects a broader recognition among support services and charities that abusers frequently target beloved pets to instil fear or punish victims, and that reform could help agencies intervene earlier and support survivors in leaving abusive situations.
- Pets increasingly used as tools of fear and control in domestic abuse
- Campaigners seek legal reform to protect animals and owners
- Highlights link between pet cruelty and coercive control