Emmerdale has issued a warning to fans of the ITV soap ahead of tonight’s episode, which will see Tom King (James Chase) once again target Piper the dog to exert control over Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper).

Previously, while Belle was staying in a mental health facility, Tom poisoned Piper. His plan was to hurt the dog enough so Belle would return home and look after her, and it worked.

Following the huge backlash from viewers, Emmerdale were forced to release behind-the-scenes footage of Minnie, the doggy actor who plays Piper, to ensure she was safe.

The ITV soap has now confirmed Tom will target Piper the dog in tonight’s episode, as the abusive character will be seen revving his car in the direction of the animal.

‘Tom is well aware of the control he can exert by using his dog in his abuse of Belle’, actor James Chase explained.

‘This deliberate act, although horrifying, is Tom’s way of getting back in Belle’s life. He knows her reaction to Piper being injured will mean he can then be the one to comfort her and get close to her again. It’s a desperate act, but Tom is clutching at anything at this time.’

The Emmerdale team have been working closely with the charities Refuge and The Dogs Trust during this plot. In 2019, research conducted by The Dogs Trust found that pets are often abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator of domestic abuse in order to control and coerce.

In addition to the abuse pets may suffer, 97% of professionals working within the domestic abuse sector also said animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing abuse.

Producer Laura Shaw said: ‘Working with the charities and hearing first hand stories from domestic abuse survivors it’s clearly all too common that domestic abusers will use the family pet as a weapon. In upcoming scenes viewers will see Tom go to desperate measures to try and keep control of his imploding marriage to Belle, which puts Piper in great jeopardy. Could this terrible act be the motivation that finally urges Belle to report her husband as an abuser?’.

Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, also added: ‘The recent storyline involving Belle, Tom and Piper is incredibly distressing, but sadly it is reflective of what we too often see through our work.

‘Those we support share their stories of the many ways that perpetrators use pets to coerce, control, physically harm and threaten within abusive relationships. We’ve heard of perpetrators not letting survivors walk their dogs alone, stopping them from accessing vet care for their dogs or being able to spend money on dog food, and even repeatedly threatening to harm or kill their dogs. This is incredibly frightening, and leaves people feeling very isolated.

‘Sometimes, perpetrators will even buy their partner a pet with the purpose of using it as a means by which to control and entrap them, preying on the strong bonds people have with their beloved pets.

She continued: ‘We know that people often delay fleeing abusive situations as they are fearful of what may happen to their pets if left behind, and unfortunately, many refuges are unable to accept pets. This is where our Freedom team steps in to provides a vital lifeline, offering a safe and secure foster home for dogs until their owners have found somewhere safe to live.

‘Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in demand for our service, so it’s more important than ever that we are there to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse who needs to flee to safety with their pet.’

Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment at Refuge explained:

‘Sadly we know that abusers will often use a myriad of different ways to inflict harm on their partner or ex partner. Domestic abuse is rooted in power and control and often abusers will focus their abuse onto pets too. There is a big link between animal abuse and domestic abuse. Pets are part of the family dynamic and domestic abuse can have devastating consequences.