A local charity says it would support “careful consideration” of a register in Jersey that would allow people to ask the police if someone has a history of animal cruelty due to its link to domestic abuse.

It follows a campaign for one in the UK by a mother, Annette Bramley, after her daughter Holly was brutally murdered by her controlling and abusive husband who used her love of animals against her.

Now, when asked by Express if there should be one in Jersey, Kate Wright, chief executive of Freeda, said it would be something it would support being explored.

She said: “We really welcome the growing recognition of the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse following Annette Bramley’s brave campaign for Holly’s Law.

“For many survivors, pets are family. Perpetrators often use threats or cruelty towards animals as a tool of coercion, control and intimidation.”

The heartbreaking story behind the campaign

Ms Bramley’s daughter, Holly, was killed at just 26 years old by her controlling and abusive husband Nicholas Metson, who used her love of animals against her.

Previously, she told The Guardian how he cruelly bought Holly a puppy, only to try and kill it by putting it in a washing machine. Despite Holly rescuing it on that ocassion, he later drowned it in a bath.

Over their seven-year relationship, he went on to kill numerous hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs, and Ms Bramley said that she thought he used the threat of animal abuse to force her daughter to do what he wanted.

Holly was killed by Mr Metson in March 2023, in an attack that was described by prosecutors as “twisted and barbaric”.

The campaign for Holly’s law

Now, Ms Bramley is calling for the introduction of “Holly’s Law” in her daughters memory, which would see an animal cruelty register established to help save others lives from domestic violence.

In a recent interview on Good Morning Britain, she said: “I think it would have helped Holly if there had been a similar register that worked in a similar way to Clare’s Law.

“Clare’s Law is a register of abusive guys that have been convicted of abuse towards partners, whose name go on this register, and partners can ask the police for this information, which would bring up the red flags, and help them decide if they really want to be in that relationship or not with this person.

“So, I’m hoping that an animal register would do the same thing, where if you have suspicions, if you are with somebody you just met, and you know that they’ve got a tendency to be cruel to animals, you can go to the police, you can ask for them to check up and see if they’ve been convicted.

“Because that is a huge red flag to domestic abuse.”

Is it something that should be implemented in Jersey?

When asked this question, Ms Wright said that the domestic abuse charity on the island, would support “careful consideration” of such a register in Jersey, while commending the campaign.

She said: “My heart goes out Annette Bramley and I thank her for her courage in turning personal tragedy into a powerful campaign for change and greater awareness.

“Holly’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that abuse rarely occurs in isolation. Recognising and responding to all forms of abusive behaviour, including harm towards animals, can help protect both people and pets and may ultimately save lives.”

What is already being done?

The Violence Against Women And Girls Taskforce, set up in 2022 by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs at the time, published a report the following year with 77 recommendations

In March this year, the Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said 36 were complete, 33 were “actively underway”, two required no further work, and five had been yet to be started, at an International Women’s Day event organised by the charity.

Ms Wright said one of the recommendations included “training for veterinary and other professionals to help them recognise the signs of domestic abuse and respond appropriate”.

Now, this has been completed, she said: “We are delighted that this training was rolled out in Jersey last year, strengthening the Island’s ability to identify risk and support those affected.”