Dr Neil Hudson, was invited to take part as a Veterinary Surgeon, Member of Parliament and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee Member at a national conference addressing the alarming link between animal abuse and domestic and child abuse.
Hosted at Battersea Cats and Dogs Home in London, Dr Hudson attended a training day exploring the complex correlation between those who abuse animals and those who are abusive to other people. For instance, in 2021 Refuge4Pets and Dogs Trust found that in almost 90% of households experiencing domestic abuse, perpetrators also targeted animals.
Organised by Links Group – an organisation dedicated to protecting people and animals from abuse – and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA); Dr Hudson joined a host of expert speakers including high-profile veterinary membership group presidents, domestic abuse specialists and council and healthcare officials.
Dr Hudson initiated a Parliamentary Inquiry into Pet Welfare and Abuse which is exploring the sea-change in pet ownership initiated by the pandemic. Alongside EFRA Committee colleagues he is specifically focusing on broader trends in criminality – especially the link between pet abuse and wides abuse within households.
Dr Neil Hudson MP, said:
“It is clear from the wealth of academic studies and first-hand testimony that there is a very definite link between animal abuse and domestic and child abuse.
“So, when veterinary professionals are presented with animals that have suffered from abuse, it is only right they are properly equipped with the tools to cope with not just with their animal patients, but signpost people who may be suffering in silence at home.
“A huge thank you to all those involved for inviting me, and shedding light on a critical issue that will help us identify domestic and child abusers earlier, to try to stop such tragic suffering.”
