Pets as Weapons in Abuse | Wellington News

Wellington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 5, 2026 · 1m

New Zealand’s Act party is pushing groundbreaking legislation to criminalize using pets as tools of control in domestic violence, tackling a hidden but devastating tactic that traps victims between their safety and their animals’ well-being. With evidence showing pets are often left with abusers during police responses — fueling fear and coercion — the party proposes new laws including prison penalties, stronger protection orders, and police powers to safeguard animals. As shelters like Pet Refuge report a 20% surge in pet-related abuse cases, Act argues New Zealand must catch up with…