Overview

• Louise Simpson has begun a campaign calling for companion animals to be legally recognized as sentient beings after her dog, Peggy, died in an arson attack.
• The Ministry of Justice has stated it will not amend existing laws that treat pets as property.
• Adrian West returned to Simpson’s Crawley home hours after being released without charge and started a fire that engulfed her porch, killing three-year-old Peggy.
• On May 2, West pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to arson with intent, criminal damage, non-fatal strangulation, common assault and actual bodily harm and was sentenced to six years and three months in prison.
• Simpson endured months of abuse—including strangulation, punching and kicking—before expelling West, and his release without charge after she declined to sign a police statement has drawn criticism of Sussex Police.