Written Question·Ministry of Justice·UIN 80770

Prisons: Assistance Animals

Tabled: 10 October 2025
Answered: 20 October 2025
Named Day

Question

Robin Swann

Ulster Unionist PartySouth Antrim

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what his policy is on the use of companion dogs in prisons.

Answer

Jake Richards
We understand this Question to refer to “pets as therapy” (PAT) dogs.Prisoners are not permitted to have dogs in possession, but admittance of PAT dogs into prisons is covered in paragraphs 7.32 – 7.37 of HM Prison & Probation Service’s Prison Dogs Po...

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Prisons: Assistance Animals — Written Question | TrustPolitics