Prisoners given pedigree dog to stroke

[kendal]

Prisoners given pedigree dog to stroke... to prevent them smashing up cells

Violent prisoners who wreck cells are being given a dog to stroke to control their rage.
In a new Government initiative to help young offenders, the pedigree dog called Barney will be taken into a notorious jail to relax inmates.
The Pets As Therapy programme is being pioneered at Her Majesty’s Prison Hindley, a young offenders’ institute which has been home to a number of violent criminals, including Sean Mercer, the killer of 11-year-old Rhys Jones.
A source at the prison said: ‘The kids in here regularly go mad, smashing up their cells. This is seen as an answer. Pets, and dogs in particular, are known to make people calmer.’
But last night Tory candidate David Davies condemned the plan as ‘utterly ridiculous’.
He said: ‘This just proves that this Government has made a dog’s breakfast of the penal system. Why is it that criminals are not simply locked up?
‘Why is that we give them PlayStations, DVDs, televisions and now pedigree dogs to keep them entertained while the victims are left to pick up the pieces of their lives?’
Barney, a black-coated Bouvier des Flandres dog, is undertaking specialist training to cope with life behind bars.
He will roam the jail, near Wigan, Greater Manchester, under the supervision of a prison worker.
Stroking the pet and enjoying its companionship is intended to ease anxiety and it is hoped he will also encourage feelings of affection.
The source added: ‘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.
‘They will be encouraged to play with the dog and care for it.’
However he added: ‘Some of the guards are concerned the dog will be picked on by some of the nastier kids, so it will have to be monitored closely.’
The Bouvier breed originally worked on the farms of Flanders, herding cattle and sheep. It has a square flat head and heavy coat and is a regular at Crufts.
HMP Hindley, which holds 300 prisoners, came under fire in 2005 when it was revealed how bosses spent £60,000 on a week of lavish entertainment for inmates, including a live rock band, magicians and a bouncy castle.
It was even claimed that an escapologist was invited but was turned away at the gate.
Guards were ordered to wear casual clothes such as tracksuit bottoms and polo shirts to ‘bond’ with inmates.
The prison also installed CCTV to stop criminals breaking in after intruders scaled the wall and supplied inmates with drugs, drink, mobiles and weapons.
A Prison Service spokesman said: ‘Hindley is seeking sponsorship to pay for ongoing costs of a dog which will be used by a handler on a small unit dealing with the most challenging young offenders, including those with mental health issues. This is a proven method.’


Read more: Prisoners given pedigree dog to stroke... to prevent them smashing up cells | Mail Online
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[charlene]

poor dog most of these criminals/murderers start of hurting animals and then move on to people
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[Trace]

I think it's a good idea, it's done in hospitals, nursing homes etc and in prisons in usa. As long as the dog and it's handler are not put in danger.

trace
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Money may buy you a good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail.

[amandawhitelaw]

I dont know how i feel about this situation. I worked in a young offend and personally i would not want my dog in there.

[lesley]

You can't help but think a lot of these people are given a better life behind bars than they have at home with all the privileges they get. Doesn't really give them the motivation to either get out or stay out!! I know that thy have to try and rehabilitise them otherwise it's pointless but there seems to be a lack of punishment also. Not sure what my views are on this! You can see how these dogs work cos there's nothing more relaxing than sitting stroking a dog!

[Michael]

Having worked with both young offenders and in prisons I think that this is a great idea however it is not a new one and has been happening for sometime Pets as therapy have an open policy that dog and handler can go where they like as long as they are comfortable and that place is willing to accommodate them, the reason that we dont just lock up prisoners is because one day these people have to get out and if they are not worked with in order to rehabilitate them they come out and re offend This is not to say I agree with giving a prisoner or patient games and dvds for nothing but if they have worked for it and earned it then i dont see why some time with a game or tv is a problem theres no point behving and working with staff if there is no positive reward and personally I feel if a dog pedigree or other wise being present on a ward or wing in a prison calms people down then its keeping everone safe and think it should be encouraged.