MP backs ‘Holly’s Law’ after Lincolnshire mum campaigns for change
Sir John Hayes says animal cruelty links to domestic abuse “can’t be ignored” following murder of 26-year-old Holly Bramley
A Lincolnshire MP is backing calls for “Holly’s Law” - a proposed national register of animal cruelty offenders - after a Holbeach mum launched a campaign in memory of her daughter.
Sir John Hayes says he was approached by constituent Annette Bramley after her daughter Holly Bramley was killed by her partner in 2023, aged 26.
“As soon as Annette drew my attention to what she hoped to achieve - a national register of animal cruelty - I was moved and inspired to do more,” he said.
Annette believes animal abuse is a key warning sign for domestic violence, saying Holly’s killer had shown violent behaviour towards animals from a young age.
“In studies of domestic abuse cases, many include threats or harm to pets,” she said, "animals are often used as a way to control victims."
“Although it was known that he had killed animals, he’d always got away with it on a technicality.”
Holly was murdered by Nicholas Metson, who later pleaded guilty in 2024. An online petition backing Holly’s Law has now gained more than 50,000 signatures.
Sir John says evidence clearly links animal cruelty to domestic abuse.
“Frankly, it can’t be ignored,” he said.
“A 2017 study found 89 per cent of women who owned pets during an abusive relationship said their animals were threatened, harmed or killed.
“Animal abuse and domestic abuse are clearly linked - which is why we need the register to identify abusers and, by so doing, prevent domestic abuse.”
Annette says if Holly had known about Metson’s past, it could have changed her decisions.
“Holly was a big animal lover, and it would have been a really big red flag to her.”
Sir John has written to the Prime Minister and is now seeking cross-party backing, saying:
“Regardless of difficulties, this must happen - because it will save many animals from being harmed, and much more significantly still, it will save people from being harmed or killed.”
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, help is available:
Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (24/7, free)