33 Bedford Row Family Barrister, Christina Warner, has recently launched Ruby's Law - 'a campaign that seeks to address the often-overlooked role of pets in the cycle of abuse and provide survivors with the confidence to seek safety without fearing for their animals'. This campaign is now due to be considered at an All-Party Parliamentary Group Meeting on 25th March in the House of Commons.

The campaign will urge the government of England and Wales to amend the Family Law Act 1996 to include crucial protections for pets in domestic abuse cases.

"Having spent much of my career in the family courts representing victims of domestic abuse, I’ve seen how deeply domestic abuse impacts families, including their pets. For many survivors, pets are a source of love and comfort during immense hardship. Abusers often exploit this bond to exert control. It's time for the law to acknowledge pets as integral family members deserving of protection."

Christina Warner, Barrister and Founder of Ruby’s Law

As it currently stands, gaps in family law in England and Wales mean that abusers can cause harm to family pets, perpetrators can use pets to coerce and control their victims, and prevent victims from leaving abusive environments.

The campaign recommends the following:

1. Extend non-molestation orders to safeguard pets from threats, harm, or use as coercive tools.

2. Require occupation orders to consider pet welfare and custody in abusive households.

3. Recognise threats or harm to pets as emotional or economic abuse under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Show your support by following on LinkedIn and signing their petition.