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Bailey, a three-and-a-half-year-old spaniel who was serving as a support dog in Magilligan Prison in County Londonderry, has been removed from his duties following a “callous and calculated threat,” according to the Northern Ireland Prison Service. The dog was being used to assist in the rehabilitation of prisoners, but concerns were raised about his placement in the prison by both politicians and animal welfare organizations. Causeway Coast Dog Rescue revealed that Bailey was obtained from a family earlier this year and placed in the prison without any prior training.
In response to a protest regarding Bailey’s well-being outside the prison, a spokesperson for the Prison Service stated that the decision to relocate the dog was made after they received information from the Police Service of Northern Ireland about a potential threat to harm Bailey as a means of embarrassing the prison governor. The spokesperson emphasized that the welfare of Bailey has always been a top priority for the service, assuring that he was well taken care of while at the prison and continues to receive proper care.
Causeway Coast Dog Rescue had been advocating for Bailey to be removed from the prison setting. Tara Cunningham from the organization expressed concerns about Bailey’s abrupt transition from a family home to the prison environment, stressing the importance of ensuring his well-being and long-term care. The charity called for clear plans regarding Bailey’s future and urged for improved safeguards for all dogs in Northern Ireland’s prisons to be put in place. Additionally, a statement issued on behalf of Bailey’s previous owner highlighted their primary concern for the dog’s immediate welfare and future.
The Prison Service addressed the value of dogs in providing emotional support, particularly in prison settings where they can assist individuals dealing with mental health and addiction issues, promote positive behavioral changes, and reduce stress and anxiety. The statement emphasized that dogs have been utilized in prisons in the region for over two decades to support inmates. The Prison Service also expressed frustration with the inaccurate and sensationalized reporting surrounding Bailey’s situation, labeling it as an unnecessary distraction from the real challenges faced by the service
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