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The government is trialling a new scheme, The Pets As Therapy programme, designed to calm and relax young offenders, including those with mental issues, in HMP Hindley near Wigan.
It involves introducing a dog into the prison which will roam the jail under the supervision of an officer. Prisoners will be able to pet it and play with it and help in its care. A spokesman said, ‘The idea is that the animal is therapeutic and improves the inmates’ behaviour, making them feel better, less angry and less prone to smashing up their cells.’
Though the local Tory candidate has described the scheme as ‘utterly ridiculous’, I think it’s a wonderful idea.
You might say that this is because I’m a dog-lover and this is partly true. However, for many years now some US prisons have been taking in waifs and strays and allowing certain prisoners to rehabilitate them so that they can be found new homes. The dogs live in the prisoners’ cells and are regularly taken out for exercise, groomed and generally cared for. Prisoners are also taught how to train the animals. These schemes work miracles in US prisons - both for unwanted dogs and the prisoners themselves - and there is, apparently, long waiting lists from long-term inmates to participate in them.
Perhaps, something along the lines of the American scheme could work in British jails and bring down the incidence of violence in some of them.
In any event, anything which will show young offenders that there is a gentler and calming side to life can only be applauded. Good luck to them and Barney the dog!
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The government is trialling a new scheme, The Pets As Therapy programme, designed to calm and relax young offenders, including those with mental issues, in HMP Hindley near Wigan.
It involves introducing a dog into the prison which will roam the jail under the supervision of an officer. Prisoners will be able to pet it and play with it and help in its care. A spokesman said, ‘The idea is that the animal is therapeutic and improves the inmates’ behaviour, making them feel better, less angry and less prone to smashing up their cells.’
Though the local Tory candidate has described the scheme as ‘utterly ridiculous’, I think it’s a wonderful idea.
You might say that this is because I’m a dog-lover and this is partly true. However, for many years now some US prisons have been taking in waifs and strays and allowing certain prisoners to rehabilitate them so that they can be found new homes. The dogs live in the prisoners’ cells and are regularly taken out for exercise, groomed and generally cared for. Prisoners are also taught how to train the animals. These schemes work miracles in US prisons - both for unwanted dogs and the prisoners themselves - and there is, apparently, long waiting lists from long-term inmates to participate in them.
Perhaps, something along the lines of the American scheme could work in British jails and bring down the incidence of violence in some of them.
In any event, anything which will show young offenders that there is a gentler and calming side to life can only be applauded. Good luck to them and Barney the dog!
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