Review and reform legal status of pets, and rules on animal control equipment
I ask the Government to review and reform the status of pets to recognise them in all cases as sentient family members and relatives, not chattel. Set out specific strict rules on using animal-control equipment like catch poles and strong penalties if negligence or force cause harm or death to pets.
Signatures
11,005
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10,000/10,000 · reached
Debate threshold (100,000) · 11,005/100,000
- 23 FEB 2026Government respondedDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsGovernment reply
We are sorry to hear of Bronson’s death. Where dogs pose a risk to others, restraint poles are an important tool. We continue to support police to embed animal welfare in enforcement practice.
Read full response - 29 JAN 202610,000 signatures reachedEligible for a government response
- 08 JAN 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Marcus Sean flaherty
Background
Losing a pet can cause the same pain as losing a family member, but the law still treats them as property. My dog, Bronson, died in a tragic incident, and I don’t want any other family to experience this. I believe clear rules on catch pole use and strong legal recognition and protections for pets could help prevent avoidable harm and ensure proper accountability in the future. These reforms could be named Bronson's Law.