Wet Nose Rescue

A scheme of mutual benefit.

- Geraldine Cove-Print

‘IF YOU can’t do the time, don’t do the crime’ – wise words but redundant if you have already been sentenced and face Prison life for weeks or years. A report from the Prison Reform Trust highlights the danger to the mental health of both inmates and Prison Officers in today’s institutions. The isolation and stress of incarceration can be extreme, while I loved Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletcher in the BBC’s comedy Porridge the reality of time locked away from family and friends can be damaging and depressing.

The Police and Crime Commissioner in each county has a broad remit which includes overseeing the work of the Police and the Prison Services, the liaison between the Police and the public is important and exploring ways to control the levels of crime is crucial. In Norfolk, PCC Lorne Green has taken a bold step by introducing rescued dogs with behavioural or training issues into the daily life of the inmates at Norwich prison. The idea is for the residents to work alongside a dog trainer and improve the chances of the individual dogs to be rehomed.

I am thrilled that such a ground breaking scheme should have been initiated in England; the value to the prisoners cannot be understated. We know how good dogs are for you, they can elicit responses from the most isolated of individuals. Dogs have been used in cases of children with autism who find communication almost impossible, the tactile quality of a patient dog who remains non-judgemental gives confidence with connections being made that can open up a whole new world to the child and their families.