Charity calling on Government to recognise pet abuse in abusive relationships

An Irish domestic violence charity is calling on the Government to recognise pet abuse as a form of coercive control in abusive relationships.

Sonas Domestic Violence Charity has said that many frontline services that encounter specific situations are hurt in order to abuse others.

There have been incidents of abusers hurting animals to intimidate, manipulate and psychologically control both women and children.

Sonas is highlighting gaps in existing Irish legislation that may leave victims and animals extremely vulnerable.

Sonas have said concerns about pets are becoming a significant barrier preventing women from leaving abusive homes.

CEO Fiona O’Malley said, “Women should never have to choose between their own safety and the safety of their pet.

“We regularly hear from women who are terrified about what may happen to their pet if they leave. In many cases, pets are threatened, harmed, neglected or used as a means of coercive control against women and children.

“One of our clients fled her husband after years of abuse. When he couldn’t physically harm her, he tried every way possible to mentally traumatise her, including sending her a Snapchat video of him pouring boiling water over the family dog.”

In 2025, Sonas partnered with NSPCA to allow temporary refuge for pets while women and children access safe-home support.

Sonas is aiming to replicate the UK’s “Ruby’s Law” campaign, seeking to strengthen legal protections for pets in cases of abuse, and this has reached the Bill stage in the UK parliament.

Sonas have said that Ireland has an opportunity to become a leader in recognising the role pets play in these situations.

They are calling on the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, to examine this increasingly relevant issue.