Call for Holly’s Law to register animal abusers

Campaigners are calling for a register of people guilty of cruelty to animals as a way of helping potential victims avoid abusive partners.

Edan Lincs (End Domestic Abuse Now) is supporting the call for Holly’s Law to be introduced in memory of Holly Bramley who was just 26-years old when the man who was supposed to love her killed her.

The campaign is spearheaded by Holly’s mum Annette Bramley who said her killer, Nicolas Metson, was known to routinely abuse animals including putting a puppy in a washing machine.

Annette has started a petition to have Holly’s Law introduced, which needed 50,000 signatures before the proposal is looked at by lawmakers – as we went to press the total stood at 54,340.

“Our daughter was taken from us in the most tragic of circumstances. Her husband – a man routinely found guilty of causing harm to animals – eventually escalated his actions to take Holly’s life.

“In memory of Holly, we propose the establishment of "Holly's Law" — a nationwide animal cruelty registry that lists individuals known to harm or kill animals. Every year, thousands of animals are brutally maimed or killed and, all too often, these despicable acts are committed by individuals who go on to become involved in incidents of domestic violence or murder.”

Research has shown that more than 70 per cent of domestic abuse victims report that their pets or other animals were threatened, harmed or killed.

A spokesperson for Edan Lincs added: “Pets aren’t ‘just animals’, they’re family, comfort and often a source of safety. But for many people experiencing domestic abuse, pets can be harmed or used as a tool of control.

“Holly’s partner had a known history of animal cruelty, a behaviour widely recognised as a warning sign for domestic abuse and coercive control.”

Sign the petition at https://www.change.org/p/establish-holly-s-law-an-animal-cruelty-register-for-domestic-violence-protection