Plymouth Brethren Christian Church Orders Global Pet Removal

"Owning pets is clearly wrong" — church directive read to congregations on May 2, 2025

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, also known as the Exclusive Brethren, has directed its global membership of approximately 50,000 to remove all pets from their households. The directive follows a dog attack on a relative of church leader Bruce Hales.

The instruction was read at closed meetings on May 2, 2025, in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and other locations. The church has denied instructing members to euthanize their pets.

Directive Details

The directive, which was restated to congregations, states that owning pets is "clearly wrong" and references past teachings against animals. A letter read to congregations directed members to remove pets from their homes.

Members are instructed to dispose of dogs, cats, birds, and mice, and then confess to the church assembly.

Conflicting Accounts of Implementation

Multiple current and former members report that some pets have already been euthanized, including a kitten in New Zealand. Some members have expressed intent to defy the order; one Victorian member stated they would choose their service dog over the church.

Members described feeling pressured due to the church's strict control over daily life.

"I will choose my service dog over the church." — Victorian member on their intention to defy the order

Church Position

The church has denied instructing members to euthanize their pets. A church statement said the message was a reminder of an existing principle, not a new directive. The statement said pets could be given to neighbors, colleagues, or animal shelters.

A church spokesperson stated, "The church would never condone cruelty to any living creature."

Historical Context

The church has a history of pet bans; a similar directive occurred in the 1960s. Former member Joy Nason recalled being ordered to euthanize her cat in 1963.

Reports from that period indicate some pets were killed at home using ether, by drowning, shooting, or clubbing. Guide dogs for blind members were reportedly targeted, and a blind member was reportedly expelled for refusing to give up his guide dog.

The church denies that the 1960s directive occurred.

Church Background

The church, which has approximately 16,000 members in Australia, practices separation from society, including not voting. The church generally discourages distractions such as television, radio, or pet ownership.

The church has attracted scrutiny for its political involvement, including members involved in campaigns supporting the Liberal Party in the 2025 election, and was raided by the Australian Tax Office in 2024.