A family barrister’s campaign to secure greater protection for pets in domestic abuse cases has moved one step closer to securing reform.

The Domestic Abuse (Pets) Bill, drafted by 33 Bedford Row’s Christina Warner, commenced its parliamentary journey this month and now moves to a second reading, scheduled for 17 April.

Christina Warner conference pic

Warner: Bill gives campaign important 'level of legitimacy'

The private members’ bill was presented by Labour MPs Ruth Jones, Irene Campbell, Kerry McCarthy, Rachael Maskell, Adam Jogee, Conservative MPs Sir Roger Gale, Sir Desmond Swayne and Dr Neil Hudson, Plaid Cymru MP Ann Davies and Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann.

The bill would address current gaps in the Family Law Act 1996 by including pets in non-molestation and occupation orders. The Domestic Violence Act 2021 would explicitly reference pet abuse as a form of controlling or coercive behaviour. Veterinary records, witness testimony and digital evidence of threat or harm to pets would be admissible in court as evidence of a breach of an order. Courts would be able to consider animal abuse as an aggravating factor in sentencing and risk assessments.

Jones paid tribute in parliament to Warner’s ‘extraordinary leadership on this issue’.

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Warner, who drafted the bill, told the Gazette the journey so far has been ‘absolutely phenomenal’. She was unable to attend parliament for the bill’s first reading as she was in court, ‘but it’s amazing to know [Ruby’s Law] has become a real bill and is moving forward’.

The bill gives the 'Ruby's law' campaign an important 'level of legitimacy', Warner said. ‘Now Westminster has got eyes on this, it will come onto the family judiciary’s radar. It already has because of my brave colleagues. It is amazing to see this progress.’