The animal is a cocker spaniel named Bailey
An “emotional support dog” used to help prisoners in Magilligan is not left alone with animal abusers, Justice Minister Naomi Long has insisted.
The dog is used at the Co Derry jail to offer “an additional way to support people with poor mental health and addiction issues”, the Minister said following a query from an MLA.
Concern had been raised about the wellbeing of the animal, a cocker spaniel named Bailey, but Mrs Long has insisted he is in “excellent health” with any prisoners convicted of any offence relating to animals “barred from contact with him”.
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She had been asked about the wellbeing of the animal by the UUP MLA Jon Burrows, a former senior PSNI officer who had previously served as Area Commander in Derry and Strabane.
Mr Burrows, who became the MLA for North Antrim in July following the resignation of Colin Crawford, had asked Mrs Long to outline “what risk assessments have been completed in advance” of the emotional support dog being used, whether there are any inmates with “unsupervised access”.
He had also asked whether there is a policy in place that “ensures that no inmate with convictions for violence, sexual abuse or cruelty to animals has access to the dog”.
The Minister replied: “Bailey is an emotional support dog registered to the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS). All areas of NIPS establishments are safe for their use and deployment.
“His introduction to site was planned and graduated to assess any potential risks to his emotional and physical welfare and measure his interactions with all persons on site.
“It is widely recognised that the use of emotional support dogs can offer significant therapeutic benefits and are used across the justice system, including supporting victims and by supporting children/young people and their loved ones before they give evidence at trial.
“In prisons, the presence of the dogs can offer an additional way to support people with poor mental health and addiction issues, help promote positive changes in behaviour and reduce stress. Support dogs can also help prisoners enhance their social skills, self-esteem, and self-confidence. These benefits can contribute to reducing the risk that someone might re-offend and prevent further victims of crime in the future.”
She continued: “Bailey’s welfare is Magilligan’s primary concern and, accordingly, he is not left unsupervised with prisoners at any time. Prior to Bailey’s arrival, Magilligan identified all prisoners with any offence relating to animals, and they are barred from any contact with him. This risk assessment process is completed on all transfers to Magilligan.
“The Governor of Magilligan arranged for Animal Welfare Officers from Mid & East Antrim Borough Council to visit Magilligan to review all aspects of Bailey’s care and wellbeing. They found: Bailey is in excellent health – presenting as alert, active and comfortable, with no signs of neglect or stress, and with care exceeding minimum standards.
She continued: “His accommodation is clean and safe, and allegations that he is housed in a windowless room or in unsuitable conditions are incorrect. Safeguarding is fully in place, with continuous supervision and no concerns about his safety or wellbeing.
“Bailey has 24/7 access to on-call veterinary care should he need it and has regular interaction with another dog to provide social stimulation and companionship.”
The Minister added: “The review concluded that ‘the concerns raised by external organisations regarding Bailey’s welfare are unfounded. Based on direct observations and welfare officer reports, Bailey is in excellent condition, appropriately housed, and properly safeguarded.'”
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