This article contains references to animal abuse and coercive control.
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale viewers have witnessed the horrifying consequences of Tom King's abusive behaviour towards his dog, Piper. The soap had previously teased Tom's continued attempts to exert control over his estranged wife, Belle, by harming her beloved pet.
Despite their separation, Tom has been secretly monitoring Belle's every move with hidden cameras installed in their former home, Dale Head. His latest manipulative ploy involved creating a manufactured crisis to draw Belle back into his orbit.
During a visit from Lydia Dingle, who was trying to convince Belle to attend Sam's birthday party, Belle expressed her desire to stay home with Piper. While Lydia argued that a family gathering would benefit Belle's spirits, she eventually agreed to make a brief appearance at the celebrations.
Later, Belle entrusted Piper to the care of Lydia and Sam's dogs at Wishing Well Cottage, before heading to the Woolpack for the birthday bash. However, she was met with the unwelcome sight of Tom waiting for her.
Tom attempted to re-enter Belle's life by offering to sell her the car he had originally intended as a gift. Belle firmly rejected his advances, reiterating her need for space and stating that she didn't want the car.
"I've said we need to stay away from each other," Belle told Tom. "In fact, I'd prefer if you weren't here this evening."
As Belle moved to leave, Tom grabbed her arm, asserting his control over their interactions: "I decide where I go and don't go."
After Belle forcefully ordered him out of the pub, Tom finally relented. However, the soap soon depicted harrowing scenes as Tom spotted Piper near Wishing Well Cottage.
The episode cut away as Tom revved his car engine in Piper's direction, leaving viewers to grapple with the potential consequences of his actions. Subsequent scenes revealed the horrific outcome of Tom's behaviour, as he approached Belle in a state of distress.
Tom had Piper wrapped in his jacket, claiming to have found her injured in the road. He warned Belle not to look at Piper because of her "badly hurt" condition.
"I'll do my best to save her," Tom declared, rushing towards the vet's surgery.
The episode concluded with the question hanging in the air: will Piper survive?
Emmerdale's producers have partnered with Refuge and The Dogs Trust to highlight the alarming reality of abusers using pets as weapons.
"Working with the charities and hearing firsthand stories from domestic abuse survivors, it's clearly all too common that domestic abusers will use the family pet as a weapon," explained producer Laura Shaw.
"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?"
Tom's portrayer, James Chase, shed light on his character's motivations: "Tom is well aware of the control he can exert by using his dog in his abuse of Belle. This deliberate act, although horrifying, is Tomâs way of getting back in Belleâs 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. Itâs a desperate act, but Tom is clutching at anything at this time.â
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk), New Beginnings Peer Support (www.newbeginningspeersupport.com) and Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247.
