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Animal Cruelty and domestic abuse/coercive control

It is well established that there is a link between domestic abuse, coercive control and animal cruelty. Abusers will attempt to exploit the bond between you and your pet(s) to assert control and dominance over you and prevent you from leaving the relationship or household.

Does a family member or current/previous intimate partner:

  • Physically abuse an animal/pet?
  • Threaten to harm an animal/pet in order to control certain aspects of your daily life?
  • Threaten to take animals/pets away and/or report you to animal welfare?
  • Will not let you provide basic care for an animal/pet such as feed, water, shelter and/or medical care?
  • Stop you spending time with the animal/pet?
  • Encourage animals into the household particularly following a break up?
  • Claim ownership of an animal/pet?
  • Bring animals/pets into the home that you are afraid of?
  • Have killed or threaten to kill an animal/pet?