He expects to receive specific advice on reforms to apprehended domestic violence orders (ADVOs) to better help human and animal victims within weeks.
"I will consider that advice in due course;however,I support reform and believe it could empower victims to seek help sooner and,indeed,could save lives,"Mr Speakman toldThe Sun-Herald.
"Injuring or killing family pets is a sickening form of coercion used to control partners or other family members."
Ms Hurst has called for animals to be included as protected persons in ADVOs rather than treating them as disputed property. Mr Speakman did not confirm if this was being considered.
Ms Hurst is hosting a roundtable this week to hear from experts and victim-survivors about domestic violence and animal abuse to determine priorities for law reform.
She said Mr Speakman seemed"quite open"to reform but she would put up her own legislation if progress stalled.
There were many times that I stayed because I didn't want the animals to be hurt.
Victim-survivor Max