Horses
A horse may be a companion, identity, livelihood and financial asset. Threats around sale, ownership, livery, transport or veterinary treatment can carry enormous weight.
When animals become part of the abuse
Animal-related abuse can be a form of control, fear and entrapment.
A victim-survivor may be making safety decisions for more than themselves. They may also be trying to protect a horse, dog, cat, assistance animal, flock, herd or other animals they are responsible for.
Home Office statutory guidance recognises using violence or threats towards pets and assistance dogs to intimidate a victim, including threatening to harm an animal or controlling how the owner can care for it. Controlling or coercive behaviour guidance also identifies using pets to control or coerce a victim.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 explanatory notes also make clear that property within economic abuse can include pets and other animals, including agricultural livestock.
Beyond pets
In farming and equestrian lives, the stakes can be much bigger.
Livestock
Responsibility for animals can make leaving a farm feel impossible. Livestock may also be tied to family businesses, land, income and legal ownership.
Pets & assistance animals
Perpetrators may exploit emotional attachment, practical dependence or concerns about where an animal can safely stay.
Money & care
Feed, farrier, livery, insurance, vet bills and transport are all costs that can be controlled or withheld as part of economic abuse.
Access & surveillance
Yards, microchips, shared accounts, cameras, trackers and routine visits can create opportunities for monitoring, contact or intimidation.
Ownership disputes
Receipts, passports, registrations, business ownership and informal arrangements can become tools in post-separation control. Specialist legal advice may be needed.
For professionals
Ask about the animals. The answer may change the safety plan.
A disclosure about animals should not be dismissed as secondary to the abuse. It may reveal risk, coercive control, economic abuse, stalking, post-separation contact or a major barrier to leaving.
Useful questions can include: Are you worried about what might happen to your animals? Who legally owns them? Who controls the money for their care? Could the perpetrator access the yard, field or property? Are there trackers, cameras or shared digital accounts? Is there somebody trusted who could help with temporary care?
Do not make promises about rehousing, fostering, ownership or legal outcomes unless you are authorised and able to deliver them. Work with appropriate domestic abuse, animal welfare, veterinary, housing and legal services where needed.
Evidence & guidance
National guidance already recognises the link.
Home Office Domestic Abuse Statutory Guidance: recognises threats or violence towards pets and assistance dogs as behaviours that can intimidate and control a victim.
Controlling or Coercive Behaviour Statutory Guidance: includes using pets to control or coerce a victim, such as harming or threatening to harm or give them away.
Domestic Abuse Act 2021 explanatory notes: explain that property in the context of economic abuse can include pets and agricultural livestock.
Need support?
Your concern for an animal is not trivial.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and are worried about animals, tell the specialist service supporting you. Animal-related risk can be relevant to safety planning.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For established national and local support routes, use The Bridle Path's Resources section.