Written Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·UIN 122601

Domestic Abuse: Pets

Tabled: 20 March 2026
Answered: 25 March 2026

Question

Graeme Downie

LabourDunfermline and Dollar

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what data her Department holds on the number of victim-survivors of domestic abuse who delay leaving an abusive situation due to concerns for the safety or housing of their pets.

Answer

Dame Angela Eagle
As set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy, Defra has commissioned a research project, led by the University of Bristol, to explore the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse and to identify additional opportunities for intervention. Defra will consi...

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