by Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, formerly known as the Exclusive Brethren, has reportedly instructed its members to get rid of their pets, leaving followers across Australia and New Zealand distressed as they face choosing between their church and their animals.
An investigation by The Age found that members have already begun surrendering pets following the directive. One New Zealand member posted online about being heartbroken at losing her kitten, with several church members telling The Age she was required to euthanise it to comply with the order.
The instruction reportedly followed a dog attack last month involving a young relative of church leader Bruce Hales. The four‑year‑old boy survived but required facial stitches.
A letter read aloud in Brethren meetings on May 2 — including gatherings in New Zealand — stated: “The ownership of such an animal, let alone it being kept at a brother’s home, is clearly wrong.” The message also referenced earlier teaching against pet ownership, appearing to allude to a controversial pet ban imposed by the church in the 1960s.
One member who spoke anonymously to The Age said leadership directives are rare, and her “heart sank” when the message was read. She said she could never part with her service dog: “If I’m asked to choose between my church and the dog, it’s going to be the dog.”
The church denies any organised pet cull. A spokesman told The Age the message was “simply a reminder of a principle that was established some time ago.” The church also rejected long‑standing reports of a widespread pet purge in the 1960s, calling them “completely untrue … to the best of our knowledge.”
Former members now fear the latest directive could trigger another large‑scale removal of pets. The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has around 54,000 members worldwide, including an estimated 9,000 in New Zealand.