In tonight’s (16/8/24) Emmerdale, veterinarian Tom King’s manipulative

behaviour takes a further sinister twist when it becomes clear he’s intent on harming

pet dog Piper to exert control over Belle. Tom, played by James Chase, is seen

deliberately revving his car in the direction of the beloved animal. “Tom is well aware of the control he can exert by using his dog in his abuse of Belle,” James explains. “This deliberate act, although horrifying, is Tom’s way of getting back in Belle’s life. He knows her reaction to Piper being injured will mean he can then be the one to comfort her and get close to her again. It’s a desperate act, but Tom is clutching at anything at this time.” The Emmerdale team have been working closely with the charities Refuge and The Dogs Trust regarding this storyline. And in 2019 research by Dogs Trust found that pets are often abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator of domestic abuse in order to control and coerce.

In addition to the physical abuse that pets may suffer, 97% of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector also said that animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing domestic abuse. Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust. “The recent storyline involving Belle, Tom and Piper is incredibly distressing, but sadly it is reflective of what we too often see through our work. Those we support share their stories of the many ways that perpetrators use pets to coerce, control, physically harm and threaten within abusive relationships.

We’ve heard of perpetrators not letting survivors walk their dogs alone, stopping them from accessing vet care for their dogs or being able to spend money on dog food, and even repeatedly threatening to harm or kill their dogs. This is incredibly frightening, and leaves people feeling very isolated. Sometimes, perpetrators will even buy their partner a pet with the purpose of using it as a means by which to control and entrap them, preying on the strong bonds people have with their beloved pets. We know that people often delay fleeing abusive situations as they are fearful of what may happen to their pets if left behind, and unfortunately, many refuges are unable to accept pets. This is where our Freedom team steps in to provides a vital lifeline, offering a safe and secure foster home for dogs until their owners have found somewhere safe to live. Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in demand for our service, so it’s more important than ever that we are there to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse who needs to flee to safety with their pet.”

Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment at Refuge said: “Sadly we know that abusers will often use a myriad of different ways to inflict harm on their partner or ex partner. Domestic abuse is rooted in power and control and often abusers will focus their abuse onto pets too. There is a big link between animal abuse and domestic abuse. Pets are part of the family dynamic and domestic abuse can have devastating consequences. We’ve seen links with economic control and animal abuse – whereby a perpetrator will withhold funds and prevent a survivor from buying pet food or paying vet bills, and we’ve seen tragic cases of violence against animals, as well as threatening behaviour like in this storyline.

It’s important that soaps do not shy away from the horrific reality of domestic abuse and all its impacts. If you recognise any of the behaviours displayed by Tom, you may be experiencing domestic abuse. If this is the case, you are not alone. You can access free and confidential support from Refuge’s 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 and digital support via live chat Monday-Friday 3-10pm via www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.” No dog was harmed in the making of these scenes and viewers can watch a behind the scenes of all these scenes next Monday on the Emmerdale socials.