A tragic incident occurred on Thursday, 22nd of May 2025, when a beloved dog named Levy was beaten and killed. This horrific event transpired after two children were taken away by social services from a house deemed a drug den, lacking food, and where the children never attended school. The dire condition was reported to the RSPCA, pointing out that he was without food, never walked, infested with fleas, and left to urinate indoors. Despite a subsequent visit by the RSPCA, they decided to leave Levy in that toxic environment. Months later, Levy met his tragic demise, this was an avoidable tragedy.

This heartbreaking event underscores a critical gap in our social welfare and animal protection systems. Currently, when children are removed from unsafe homes by social services, domestic animals are often left behind. These animals, like Levy, can suffer from neglect and abuse. If a child living in such conditions is deemed at risk, so too should the welfare of any domestic animals present be considered precarious.

Immediate action is necessary to change the protocols that leave companion animals behind in these dangerous environments. We must adopt a policy that arranges for the removal of domestic animals once social services determine children are no longer safe to remain in their home.

There are concrete steps that can be taken to ensure animal safety alongside that of vulnerable children. Legislative amendments should mandate collaboration between social services and animal welfare organizations. This can ensure that a qualified animal welfare officer assesses the situation for any domestic pets. The officer can then arrange for temporary fostering or rehoming if the living condition is considered unsuitable, preventing unnecessary suffering.

When children are rescued from harmful environments, so must be the animals sharing their plight. Please join the call for legislative change to ensure animals are afforded the same considerations for safety and wellbeing. Sign this petition to urge policymakers to protect all the inhabitants of these unsafe homes and prevent future tragedies like what befell Levy.

Levy’s Law