Ruby's Law and recognising pets in domestic abuse protection orders

Early day motion 228, tabled 1 June 2026 by Ruth Jones (Labour). Signed by 5 members.

That this House expresses concern that the Family Law Act 1996 and Domestic Abuse Act 2021 lack explicit protections for pets despite evidence for their central role in abuse dynamics; notes that up to 88% of households experience domestic abuse also involve harm or threats to pets as a means of coercive control; and calls on the Government to introduce amendments to the Family Law Act 1996 to include pets within non-molestation and occupation orders and to amend the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to recognise threats or harm to pets as a form of coercive or economic abuse.

Signatures by party: Labour 3, DUP 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.