Policies on animals used as part of coercive control within domestic abuse

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.031744

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. Please could you supply details of any Metropolitan police policy regarding animals and/or pets that are used as part of coercive control within domestic abuse cases?

2. Please could you supply details of any training that is given to frontline police officers concerning cases of domestic abuse where animals/pets are involved?

3. Please could you supply what external advice you offer to victim-survivors of domestic abuse where their pet (animal) has been targeted as part of coercive control? Many thanks

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

DA Policy – MPS Intranet

Harming Animals – Causing Unnecessary Suffering

Evidence of animal cruelty either witnessed directly, or provided in the DARA risk assessment or in any other format should be considered.

DA perpetrators target that which is precious to the victim and use it to disempower and control them. This can include exploiting the victim’s emotional attachment to their pet or other kept animal by harming or threatening to harm them, particularly as a way to prevent them from leaving the relationship or post separation. Evidence of this may come from the victim, their family, neighbours, bystanders, friends or vet, and/or visible injuries on the animal itself. Where the victim feels unprepared to provide a statement in relation to domestic abuse, offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 might also be considered. Under S4 of the Animal Welfare Act it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to a protected animal (defined as such if it is a commonly domesticated animal, under the control of man, or not living in a wild state). Police Officers have a number of powers in relation to S4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, these include powers of entry, powers to stop and detain vehicles, execute s18 warrants, and seize animals in distress, in addition to powers under s24 of PACE.

The College of Policing states that where animal abuse has occurred in a household, there is an increased likelihood that other abuse has also taken place.
Any details about animal cruelty should be included in witness and victim statements and a history of cruelty towards animals should also be put forward as bad character evidence for court.

Domestic Abuse Policy
Coercive & Controlling Behaviour
Coercive and controlling behaviour Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015

Consideration should be made to determine whether a culmination of behaviour and incidents could be contributing to an overall campaign of coercive control by the offender.

Controlling behaviour is certain acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm punish or frighten their victim.

Types of controlling and coercive behaviour

These could include:
• isolating victim from friends/family
• depriving them of basic needs
• monitoring their time
• monitoring a person via online communication tools or spyware
• controlling aspects of everyday life: where they go, who they see, what they wear, when they sleep
• depriving access to support services, specialist support or medical services
• control of finances - punitive allowances
• threats to harm or kill
• violence or threats of physical abuse or violence, against family members, friends and / or pets.
• threats to reveal, share or publish private information
• assaults, rape
• criminal damage – destruction of household goods
• preventing access to transport or from pursuing a working life

The Home Office Controlling or Coercive Behaviour Statutory Guidance Framework 5 April 2023 for use when investigating offences in relation to controlling or coercive behaviour under section 76 of the 2015 Act.

Correspondingly this content is included in our CSU (Community Safety Unit) Course, which trains all domestic abuse investigators.

An ongoing review by the Frontline Policing Delivery Unit of all domestic abuse training provided to initial recruits via the current DHEP and DDHEP schemes will ensure the abuse of animals is included within coercive and controlling behaviour.

In addition to “policy” the Domestic Abuse guidance available to all officers provides details of foster schemes for those with Dogs or Cats who may need temporarily rehoming via SharePoint and these details are also included within support agencies for our MetCC command OCU that deals with calls into the Metropolitan Police Service from our members of the public.