Emmerdale’s Tom King in disturbing dog abuse scene

Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Tom King’s abusive behaviour has escalated, as his coercive control of wife Belle Dingle tonight (May 27) puts their dog’s life at risk.

Recently, Tom messed with Belle’s medication to get her admitted to the local mental health crisis assessment centre, and she’s been refusing any visitors.

However, Belle then asked only her sister-in-law Lydia Dingle to visit.

Related: Emmerdale star Claire King teases return of Kim’s dark side

Having heard about this from Lydia herself, a disturbed Tom worried about the potential implications of their private meeting.

He then came up with a horrific plan to reassert control: poisoning their pet dog Piper in a bid to get the assessment centre to release Belle, who would be distraught.

“Lydia’s right, your mummy will be worrying about how you’re doing,” he told Piper. “Oh we’re missing her, aren’t we… Want her back as much as I do? Yes, you do. Yes, you do!”

Tom proceeded to ready an injection from his veterinary bag. “Right, this is gonna hurt me more than it hurts you,” he said, walking towards the pooch. “Actually, maybe not.”

Related: Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick addresses Vanessa and Suzy future

This evil twist was then directly addressed on the Emmerdale X channel, with a statement promising upset fans: “These scenes can be distressing to watch, but we want to remind you that Minnie (AKA Piper) is a very good actor and is always living her best life on set!

“We can confirm that no harm has come to her whatsoever.”