Prison Animal Programs: History, Research, and Examples from the Field

• In Event: Roundtable: Contemporary Issues in Corrections

Abstract

History: Providing animal interaction to incarcerated populations provides inmates a starting point for internal change and has been found promising in lowering the odds of reoffending. In some cases, pet therapy in correctional settings allows the incarcerated populations to acquire professional and marketable skills related to handling animals (grooming, training, caretaking) that may lead to employment opportunities.
Research: Anecdotal evidence on prison animal programs has been occurring for as long as these programs have been in existence. However, empirical research has been challenging mainly due to the wide variety of programming (wildlife rehabilitation, livestock care, pet adoption, service animal socialization, and vocational programs), variety of prison environments (security level, gender, geographic locations, etc.), and the availability of resources (funding, location of near-by shelters, etc.). We will explore these difficulties with participants in an effort to identify resolutions.

Authors

• Clarissa M Uttley, Plymouth State University

• Patricia Brougham, University of Pittsburgh