Correcting the Record: Pet ownership and animal safety

Summary:

Following a traumatic incident in which a child was attacked by a dog, our church’s position on pets was restated to parishioners in May 2026. Church members generally avoid pets and those who have them may be minded to rehome them without harm.

Statement:

Very few families in the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church would keep pets, as we generally avoid distractions from family, faith and God, such as television, radio, or pet ownership.

That said, many families in our church own and operate farms with extensive livestock, and others keep chickens and ducks for eggs. It’s not a test of fellowship in our church.

Following a traumatic incident in which a child was attacked by a dog at the home of a church member, our church’s position on pets was restated to parishioners in May 2026. This was not a ‘new directive’, but simply a reminder of a principle that was established some time ago.

The small number of church members who have pets may be minded to rehome them with a willing neighbour or colleague, or via working with their local animal shelter.

We are aware of untrue and distressing online commentary which has misconstrued this as members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church being told to euthanise their pets.

The church would never condone cruelty to any living creature, and this position is being strongly reinforced to our congregation. We have the utmost respect for all of God’s creations.

If a member of our church ever was cruel to animals, we would want the matter to be dealt with by the appropriate authorities.

Update:

Following several incorrect and unfounded media reports the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church issued a second piece of guidance last weekend.

The church is not in the habit of releasing internal communications, but in this instance given the significant misreporting that has occurred on this matter, we have made an exception and can confirm that this was communicated in congregations around the world:

Beloved Brethren, recently we reminded the brethren of the stand that our leaders have taken in relation to owning pets after a four-year-old child was attacked by a dog that belonged to a brother. We would like to make it clear that if anyone has pets and is minded to rehome them, they should do so appropriately and with no harm to the animal. Every household should be freshly exercised to ensure the standard represented by the great men and their ministry is carried forward and maintained.