Humane Canada is welcoming federal recommendations that recognize animal mistreatment as a form of coercive control, a move the group says will improve protections for victim-survivors and their pets.

The recommendations are part of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women’s final report on coercive control, tabled in Parliament on Nov. 25. Among 16 recommendations, two focus on the link between animal abuse and intimate partner violence.

The committee is urging the federal government, along with provinces, territories and Indigenous Peoples, to formally recognize animal mistreatment as coercive behaviour and ensure law enforcement and justice officials receive training to identify and assess it during investigations.

Humane Canada appeared before the committee in October 2024, presenting evidence that abusers often harm or threaten pets to manipulate or intimidate victim-survivors. The organization says acknowledging this reality is essential for safety and healing.

The report also calls for federal support for initiatives in women’s shelters that allow pets to be safely accommodated. Humane Canada says nearly 50 per cent of women in Canada delay leaving violent situations because they have no solution for their pets. The committee further recommends that emergency, transitional and affordable housing options include provisions for families to remain with their animals.

Humane Canada continues to advocate for legislation criminalizing coercive control that explicitly recognizes animals as victims and tools of abuse. The group warns that ignoring this link could lead to greater harm for women and animals.

For more information, visit www.humanecanada.ca.