Our daughter, Holly Bramley, was taken from us in the most tragic and devastating circumstances. She lost her life at the hands of a man with a known history of violence — including documented abuse of former partners and repeated acts of cruelty towards animals. His pattern of behaviour, long evident and deeply concerning, ultimately escalated to the point where Holly’s life was taken.

In the face of this unimaginable loss, we are determined that Holly’s death must not be in vain. We believe it must serve as a catalyst for meaningful and lasting change.

In Holly’s memory, we are calling for the introduction of “Holly’s Law” — a nationwide animal cruelty register that records individuals convicted of harming or killing animals.

 
Animal Cruelty in the UK: Scale and Trends
Data highlights a troubling rise in animal abuse. Reports to the RSPCA concerning intentional harm to dogs increased from 7,691 in 2020, to 8,176 in 2021, and 9,776 in 2022 — equating to approximately one dog abused every hour in 2022.

More broadly, animal welfare organisations continue to receive tens of thousands of complaints each year relating to abuse and neglect. These figures demonstrate that animal cruelty remains a serious and persistent issue, often linked to wider patterns of violence.

 
The Link Between Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence
There is substantial evidence connecting animal cruelty with domestic abuse and other violent offences.

The RSPCA reports that many victims of domestic abuse also experience threats or harm directed at their pets, often used as a means of coercion, control, or punishment.

Research, including findings from organisations such as the National Link Coalition, indicates that individuals who abuse animals are significantly more likely to engage in other forms of violent behaviour.

Studies further suggest that among domestic abuse victims who own pets, up to 71% report that their partner has threatened, harmed, or killed those animals.

This dynamic frequently delays victims from leaving abusive situations due to fear for their pets’ safety, allowing perpetrators to maintain control.

Animal cruelty is widely recognised by criminologists and law enforcement as a potential early indicator of escalating violent behaviour.

 
The Case for Holly’s Law
The establishment of an Animal Cruelty Register under Holly’s Law would provide a critical tool for early intervention and prevention.

Such a register could:

Enable authorities to identify patterns of violent behaviour at an earlier stage
Provide vital information to protect potential partners and families
Support law enforcement and safeguarding agencies in risk assessment
Raise public awareness of the link between animal abuse and human violence
By formally recognising animal cruelty as a significant warning sign, Holly’s Law could help prevent future tragedies — protecting both vulnerable people and animals.

 
Holly’s story is not an isolated case. It reflects a broader and deeply concerning pattern that demands action.

We urge you to support this call for legislative change. By backing Holly’s Law, you can help ensure that warning signs are not ignored, and that lives — both human and animal — are protected.

Your support has the power to make a difference.

Please sign the petition.

#ForHolly