FOLLOW-UP OF A PET PROGRAM IN A PRISON HEALTH SERVICE WING (THE NETHERLANDS)

Pet keeping by prisoners is reported to cause positive effects such as increased sociable behavior, decreased violence, need for medications, recidivism rate and less suicide attempts. On the other hand, research has found a link between animal abuse and violent behavior toward humans. A survey was performed in a prison health service wing between 2014–2015. Nineteen patients (19%; 24 - 54 years) out of 97 male psychiatric patients (22-73 years) kept pets in their room. Fifteen completed the survey. In 2014, prisoners kept 17 birds, 2 rats, 1 guinea pig, and 1 cat. Although the pet-program had already existed for 45 years, the majority of petswas rather young: 5 Agapornis (71%) <3 years, 2 parrot <1,5 year, 4 Cockatiel (57%) <3 years, 2 rats < 6 months, and a guinea pig of 3,5 years. In 2015, 6 birds, 2 rats and 1 guinea pig were no longer in the prison. Two birds were relocated after their owner was caught up in an aggressive incident. The owner of 2 birds developed allergic symptoms. Another bird was removed because of his aggressive behavior and one bird escaped through an open window. One rat was found dead on top of his cage. The owner of the other rat gave him up for adoption. The guinea pig was rehomed after sexual abuse. These results indicate that some clients with therapeutic goals, such as maintaining daily routine, can have difficulties in taking long-term care for their pets and ensuring their welfare.