Dogs and hens used to comfort female prisoners in Northern Ireland

Hazel Stewart

By Lesley-Anne McKeown

– 11 October 2014

Labrador dogs and hens are being used to rehabilitate female prisoners in Northern Ireland, it has been revealed.

The rehomed dogs and rescued battery hens have been brought in to Hydebank Wood where some of the most notorious female killers are detained.

Prison bosses said the introduction of pet therapy had helped inmates with underlying mental health issues to deal with emotive issues.

Prison Service director general Sue McAllister said: “We have found a positive change in the behaviours of the women prisoners involved, which is not only good for their health and wellbeing, but it is also good for our staff and ultimately the wider community.”

Earlier this year, concerns were expressed by some Stormont politicians after it emerged female prisoners were being trained in beauty therapy.

Ms McAllister said teaching inmates to care for the dogs had produced a positive effect.

She added: “While there is a well-known and accepted benefit to pet ownership, the therapeutic benefits are less well-known.

“The rehomed Labradors and two of our dog handlers have taught prisoners how to look after the dogs. This includes obedience training, exercising and agility work. Looking after the dogs has had a very positive effect on prisoners.

“But we have not stopped there. Hydebank Wood also has a number of rescued battery hens. And managing and caring for those also has therapeutic benefits, plus they also provide fresh free range eggs.”

Double murderer Hazel Stewart, who was jailed for killing her husband, police officer Trevor Buchanan, and Lesley Howell, the wife of her ex- lover Colin Howell, is among the most high-profile inmates at Hydebank Wood, a facility on the edge of south Belfast.

Other notorious killers include Jacqueline Crymble, who with her lover murdered her husband Paul in June 2004 in Co Armagh, and Julie McGinley, dubbed the “black widow” after she was jailed for 15 years for killing husband Gerry.

Further reading

Maghaberry Prison inmates get the keys to their own cells 

Double killer Hazel Stewart gets beauty treatments in prison 


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