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Prisons: Assistance Animals

Asked by Robin SwannUlster Unionist PartyMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 16 October 2025UIN 80769

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prisons use companion dogs.

Answered by Jake Richards

We 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.

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