**Man Who Attacked Ex-Partner’s Home Returned to Burn It Down, Causing Tragic Death of Family Dog**
In a harrowing case that has prompted calls for changes to animal welfare laws, a woman’s home in Crawley, Sussex, was deliberately set ablaze by her former partner just hours after he had been released from police custody. The blaze, set while the woman slept, resulted in the devastating loss of her beloved pet dog, Peggy.
The perpetrator, Adrian West, had a history of violent abuse toward his former partner, Louise Simpson. Over several months, Ms Simpson, 53, endured a succession of assaults, including incidents where she was strangled, punched and kicked. After eventually managing to expel West, 61, from her home, the situation took a terrifying twist when he returned and lashed out at her doorbell camera with a rock. This incident was captured on the device, bringing his destructive tendencies into clear view.
Ms Simpson immediately contacted police after the doorbell attack, leading to West’s arrest. He spent a night in the cells, giving Ms Simpson a fleeting sense of relief. However, to her horror, officers informed her the next day that no further action would be taken and that West was to be released. In a comment to reporters, Ms Simpson explained her anxiety on learning this news, expressing her deep fear that he would come back. Police maintained that they could only act if he committed another offence, citing procedural limitations.
Louise’s concerns became a tragic reality. She had blocked her front door with a toolbox and stored supplies, anticipating possible further harassment. Her precaution, however, could not forestall disaster. While she was having an afternoon nap, neighbours raised the alarm: her house was ablaze. The fire had started in the porch but quickly spread throughout the property, filling the whole upstairs with black, toxic smoke.
Describing her ordeal, Ms Simpson said she awoke to the choking fumes and desperate shouts from neighbours. She tried frantically to save her British Bulldog, Peggy, who had sought refuge under the bed. Peggy, paralysed with fear, was too heavy to be dragged out. Overcome by smoke, Louise was forced to flee alone, leaving Peggy behind in utter heartbreak.
Firefighters, arriving on the scene, attempted to rescue the dog but sadly were unable to revive her. For Louise, the loss was almost unbearable. She told local press that following the fire, she was virtually incapacitated by grief, barely able to eat, wash, or function for several days. The incident also left her homeless, reliant on her grown-up son and friends for a place to stay. Despite being offered alternative accommodation, Louise maintains her hope to return to her cherished home after repairs are complete, a place filled with precious memories from almost three decades.
The damage caused by West’s arson extended far beyond the bricks and mortar. Louise lost irreplaceable personal possessions, including her mother’s ashes, childhood items, and sentimental keepsakes. For her, however, the death of Peggy was the deepest wound, exposing a troubling gap in current law whereby pets are regarded only as property, not as sentient companions with intrinsic value.
On 2 May, Adrian West, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to arson with intent, criminal damage, non-fatal strangulation, common assault and multiple counts of actual bodily harm. He received a sentence of six years and three months in custody. Yet Louise is profoundly disappointed that Peggy’s death was not reflected in the charges or sentencing. She has since launched a campaign to urge lawmakers to recognise animals as sentient beings in similar cases.
Louise’s petition seeks to ensure harsher penalties for those who intentionally harm companion animals in the context of domestic violence. “Peggy’s life was given as much value as a bookcase,” Louise lamented, describing the British Bulldog as her ‘absolute world’ and only companion during her darkest moments.
Sussex Police confirmed West’s earlier release, explaining it was in part due to a lack of a signed statement from the victim. Neither Sussex Police nor the Ministry of Justice have indicated any imminent changes to the relevant legislation.
As the debate continues, Louise Simpson’s personal tragedy shines a light on broader issues of domestic violence, police procedure, and the legal protections afforded to companion animals. She remains hopeful that, through raising her voice, more robust safeguarding measures can be introduced to spare others similar heartbreak in the future. Those wishing to support her campaign can do so by signing her petition online.