What is Ruby’s law and why is it important? 

What is Ruby’s law? 

Ruby’s law is a campaign in England and Wales calling for changes to existing family law to make pets explicitly protected in cases of domestic abuse. This aims to support domestic abuse victims in seeking safety without fearing for their animals. 

In abusive situations, abusers can cause harm to family pets, use pets to coerce and control their victims as well as ultimately preventing victims from leaving abusive environments.  

Although legal tools such as non-molestation orders and occupation orders can be used to protect people from abuse, they do not clearly extend to companion animals. Pets are still legally classed as property, which means that courts may lack clear authority to prevent an abuser from harming, threatening or using a pet as a means of control. 

Ruby’s Law proposes that: 

• Non-molestation orders should explicitly include pets, making it illegal to threaten or harm them  

• Occupation orders should be expanded to include provisions for the court to decide who retains care of the pet and ensure the pet’s safety when determining occupation orders 

• Broaden understanding of domestic abuse by introducing language which recognises that harm to pets can be used as a form or coercion or control  

What would Ruby’s law do? 

The proposals set out in Ruby’s law collectively address a concerning gap in the legal protection for pets in domestic abuse situations. Many victims stay in abusive situations due to fear of what would happen to their pet during a dispute or if they left the perpetrator. The changes would ensure that pets are safeguarded, reduce the use of pets as tools of abuse and give survivors confidence to leave such environments knowing their pets will also be protected.  

These proposed changes would: 

• Provide protection for pets: abusers are legally prohibited from harming, threatening or using pets to intimidate victims. 

• Provide court-directed pet custody: allowing courts to decide who retains care of a pet means victims can ensure their pet’s safety without the abuser having access to them. This would prevent abusers from using pets as leverage or harming them during disputes.  

• Acknowledge pets as targets of coercion and control – aligning with the Domestic Abuse Act of 2021.  

Who is Ruby and why is the campaign named after her? 

The Ruby’s Law campaign was set up by Christina Warner; a multi-award-winning barrister with experience in family law and human rights, after working with survivors who experienced their pets being used in domestic abuse. Ruby’s Law is named after Christina’s much-loved cat Ruby who sadly passed away in 2023. Ruby’s name represents countless animals whose suffering has gone unseen or unaddressed by the legal system and whose presence can be the deciding factor in whether someone leaves a dangerous situation involving abuse. Ruby was chosen by Christina to front this campaign as during her life she ‘embodied the quiet strength and resilience of so many animals who live through abuse’.  

Why are pets targeted in domestic abuse? 

Domestic abuse is rarely limited to physical violence against just one person. It often involves a pattern of coercion, intimidation and control and pets can be deliberately used as part of this dynamic.  

Evidence shows that pets are frequently harmed or threatened in household where domestic abuse occurs. Sadly, abusers may also harm or kill pets as a way of frightening or intimidating their partner and threats to pets can be used as a way of preventing a victim leaving or seeking help. For many people who experience domestic abuse, their pet is often a huge source of comfort, stability and support. Abusers will no doubt be aware of this strong bond and exploit it as another avenue for abuse.  

It’s incredibly distressing to hear stories of abusive relationships where the victim stays there because they fear what would happen to their pet if they left or sought help. Someone may delay leaving abusive relationships because: 

• They don’t know what would happen to their pet without them  

• Refuges may be unable to accommodate animals  

• They fear retaliation against their pet as punishment for them leaving 

Ruby’s Law aims to remove these barriers by ensuring pets are legally protected alongside their owners.  

Why Ruby’s Law matters to veterinary services 

Veterinary professionals are increasingly recognised as being in a position to notice signs of non-accidental injury, neglect or repeated trauma in animals. Most vets and vet nurses are already aware, through the work of the LINKS group, of the relationship between animal abuse and human abuse, but this is less well understood outside the professions. 

Ruby’s Law is important to veterinary professionals because it further highlights this fact. By continuing to raise awareness of this link, we can encourage earlier recognition of the risks to both pets and people. Additionally, Ruby’s Law supports a more collective approach between animal welfare and human safety. Injuries to animals in such situations can be serious or even life-threatening and the trauma experienced by both pets and their owners can be long-lasting.  

Recognising abuse involving pets  

Although veterinary staff are not (and aren’t expected to be) investigators, awareness is vital. In some cases, victims of abuse will have limited contact with others and the short time they spend in our practice can be crucial for picking up on warning signs. Our actions can make a huge difference. Warning signs may include: 

• Repeated injuries to a pet with vague or inconsistent explanations 

• Delays in seeking treatment for serious injuries or illnesses  

• Extreme anxiety or fear in an animal around certain individuals  

• Owners expressing fear about what may happen to their pet, or themselves if they seek/pay for treatment 

Where there are concerns, veterinary teams can follow professional guidance on safeguarding, documentation and signposting to appropriate support services. Many veterinary groups will already have protocols in place for reporting such concerns so just ask if you’re unsure about yours.  

Why Ruby’s Law matters to pet owners 

Even if you never experience domestic abuse yourself, Ruby’s Law is relevant to pet owners because it reflects a shift in how the law and society views and treats animals. Pets shouldn’t be treated as just possessions. They are sentient beings with emotional significance and for an increasing number of people, they are family.  

We all know people that now even refer to themselves as ‘pet parents’ rather than simply ‘pet owners.’ Laws that recognise this help to create safer outcomes not just for animals, but for the humans who love them. Protecting pets in this way aims to lessen the barriers that prevent or deter people from leaving abusive situations, identify abuse earlier and save both human and animal lives.  

What you can do 

Wondering how you can get involved and support Ruby’s Law? Check out their website for practical tips. You can also: 

• Educate yourself about the link between domestic abuse and animal harm  

• Share accurate information and raise awareness 

• Support charities/refuges that help people and their pets leave abusive situations 

• Contact your MP to express your support for stronger legal protection of animals 

If you are worried about the safety of a person (including yourself) or a pet, confidential support is available through specialist domestic abuse services.