Introduction
The Animal Protection Disclosure Scheme – now known as “Holly’s Law” – is a Parliamentary campaign founded by Annette Bramley and Catherine Haworth at Haworth Family Law.
Holly Bramley died at the age of 26 after her husband brutally murdered her. Holly’s perpetrator was a repeat offender who had previously tortured and killed Holly’s pets.
In her memory, her mother Annette proposed 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 later go on to become involved in incidents of domestic violence or murder.
This campaign resonates deeply for us: evidence shows a clear and troubling link between domestic abuse and animal abuse. Many victims delay leaving abusive partners out of fear for what will happen to their pets. Holly’s Law aims to break that cycle.
Why Holly’s Law Matters
Holly’s Law is built on the Common Law Duty of Police Disclosure (CLPD). Under this duty, police already have the ability to share information where necessary to prevent harm. Holly’s Law seeks to apply this principle specifically to animal protection – ensuring that information about an individual’s history of animal abuse or neglect can be disclosed to those who genuinely need it, such as:
- Animal rescue centres and rehoming charities
- Breeders and private sellers
- Individuals in domestic abuse situations concerned about the safety of their pets
Currently, these organisations and individuals often have no way of knowing whether they are placing an animal in the care of someone with a known history of harming animals. Holly’s Law aims to close this dangerous gap.
Campaign Origins
In Catherine’s Haworth’s words:
Arnie was a little long-haired chihuahua. He had presence, poise and made everyone look when he walked in the room. In that sense, he made “little” seem “large”. He was quiet and unassuming, but he radiated importance. Arnie had many homes in his life time and, in each one, he made it his home and adapted to change so gracefully. Arnie embodies everything about the Holly’s Law campaign. On the one hand he signifies inner strength, protection and powerful change for the good. On the other, he signifies innocence, loyalty, and all of the things Holly’s Law seeks to protect for animals.
What Holly’s Law Will Achieve
The campaign has four clear and urgent objectives:
1. A statutory framework for police disclosure
Holly’s Law seeks to introduce a statutory framework empowering police to confidently disclose crucial information about past animal abuse or neglect to those who need this information to prevent further harm.
2. Preventing unsafe rehoming
By making relevant information available, rehoming centres can avoid placing animals with individuals known to have abused or neglected animals in the past.
3. Safer buying and selling
Breeders, sellers, and members of the public will have greater protection from unknowingly selling animals to individuals who have a history of animal abuse and/or neglect.
4. Supporting victims of domestic abuse
For those in abusive relationships, Holly’s Law provides a pathway to understand whether their pet – or they themselves – are at risk – an important factor when planning safe exits from harmful environments.
This final aim is particularly vital. Pets are often used as tools of coercive control: threatening, harming or killing animals is a known tactic used by abusers to intimidate or silence victims. Holly’s Law offers another layer of protection at this intersection of domestic abuse and animal welfare.
How Holly’s Law Works
Using the Common Law Duty of Police Disclosure, police forces would be able to release relevant information to an individual or organisation where there is a genuine need to safeguard an animal. The scheme mirrors established public‑protection disclosures (such as Clare’s Law) but applies specifically to animal welfare and the wellbeing of victims in homes where animals are part of the family.
How You Can Help
Holly’s Law is a people‑powered campaign. You can take action today:
✉️ Write to your MP
It takes just two minutes to use the campaign’s template letter urging your MP to support the introduction of this statutory framework.
📣 Spread the word
Share information about Holly’s Law on social media, with colleagues, friends, and family. Awareness drives change.
🤝 Get involved
To learn more about supporting or partnering on the campaign, contact: enquiries@haworthfamilylaw.co.uk
A Step Forward for Both Animal Welfare and Domestic Abuse Prevention
The Domestic Abuse Alliance supports initiatives like Holly’s Law that address the overlapping harms seen in abusive households. Protecting animals protects people and this campaign is a vital, compassionate step toward safer futures for both.
