England: Hamster helps violent prisoners calm down

The hamster, named Robinson, was introduced to HMP Northumberland, a 1,348-capacity Category C men’s prison, as part of a pet-care area on one wing.

The prison already had a flock of chickens, and monitors said the animals were helping prisoners develop their capacity for care while providing a means of de-escalating potentially violent situations.

The Independent Monitoring Board said in a report: “The pet-care area is a useful tool for de-escalation skills when prisoners are at risk of self-harm or violence. The introduction of the pet-care area on Houseblock 12 and increase in the chicken flock enables prisoners to demonstrate their capacity for care.

“One beneficiary, Robinson the hamster, seems to be thriving as a result.”

The prison houses a large number of people convicted of sexual offences.

Prisoners have also taken part in sessions with Greene King, learning how to make mocktails as part of efforts to provide employment opportunities after release.

Other UK prisons have introduced animals as part of therapeutic programmes. HMP Guys Marsh adopted 200 hens, with prisoners who had struggled with severe anger management reportedly finding a sense of calm while caring for them.

HMP Swaleside in Kent introduced two pygmy goats through an NHS-funded mental health scheme aimed at tackling apathy, depression and personality disorders.