Urgent law change demand as vile abusers exploit bonds with pets to trap victims

Pets should be recognised by law in domestic abuse orders, MPs say, as the Government prepares to publish its violence against women and girls strategy

Harrowing cases where threats and violence toward pets are used to trap domestic abuse victims show new laws are desperately needed, ministers have been told.

Campaigners warn beloved animals are used by abusers to stop women leaving as they demanded the law is tightened up. Cross-party MPs have called for pets to be recognised in domestic abuse orders.

It comes as the Government prepares to finally publish its long-awaited violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy. Labour backbencher Ruth Jones, who has put forward a motion calling for tougher laws, told The Mirror : "If you're an abused woman on your own, a pet is your lifel