AQW 32490/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 01/10/2025
Answered On Date: 08/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to outline any consideration her Department has given to recognising harm or threats to pets as a form of coercive control in domestic abuse cases.

Answer:

I acknowledge the very real and distressing impact that harm, or the threat of harm, to pets can have on victims of domestic abuse. For many people, pets or other animals, are a deeply loved part of the family, and perpetrators who use them as a means of intimidation, coercion, or control can cause significant emotional trauma.

Section 1 the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 provides for the offence of domestic abuse against an individual, their child or any other person which is intended to cause a person “to suffer physical or psychological harm,” with “psychological harm” including fear, alarm and distress”. Section 4(3) expressly refers to behaviour that is directed at a “person” through “conduct concerning or towards property” which includes pets or other animals (for example agricultural livestock) whether belonging to the victim or others.

My Department continues to engage with stakeholders such as animal welfare charities, and victim support services to strengthen recognition of this issue and to ensure victims know that such abuse is taken seriously. I recently met with the Links Group and remain in contact with them to explore options for further collaborative working.