Written Question·Ministry of Justice·UIN 80769
Prisons: Assistance Animals
Tabled: 10 October 2025
Answered: 16 October 2025
Named DayQuestion
Robin Swann
Ulster Unionist Party — South Antrim
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prisons use companion dogs.
Answer
Jake RichardsWe understand this question to refer to “pets as therapy” (PAT) dogs. This information could only be provided at disproportionate cost.Application for the use of PAT dogs is open to all prisons, with admittance requiring the authority of the Governor.