There is no doubt about the importance of having pets. They add to a person’s overall well-being, but what about inmates? Can they have a pet? Can you have a cat in prison?
Is It Legal To Keep A Cat In A Prison?
A prisoner at an Ohio psychiatric institution discovered an injured bird completely by chance in 1975. Patients who were working to rehabilitate the injured bird’s behavior changed, according to hospital workers.
This is how the brilliant concept for an inmate animal rehabilitation program was born.
Because of its success in assisting offenders in reforming during their incarceration, the program has expanded into what it is now.
Reality television shows that chronicle the lives of the animals and the inmates to whom they are assigned have heightened public interest in the program.
Most states now have an animal rehabilitation program in their prison system, with the majority of them focusing on dog training.
Because of the popularity of inmate dog training programs, some jails are now offering cat adoptions to inmates.
According to the 2006 Prison-Based Animal Programs Survey (which took place in 159 institutions across 36 states),
- 100% of inmates said their stress levels had decreased.
- Inmate relationship/trust skills were reported to have improved in 97% of cases.
- Inmates’ self-control has improved in 93% of cases.
- The program humanizes/calms the facility, according to 89 percent of respondents.
- Inmates’ work ethic has improved by 85 percent
- Inmates’ sense of pride/accomplishment grew by 80 percent.
Although there aren’t many cat programs in US jails, evidence suggests they’re extremely effective. Many people, however, believe that inmates should not be permitted to adopt cats, especially those on death row.
Conditions To Follow
Before being approved to adopt a cat or kitten from an animal shelter, inmates who want to participate in the cat adoption program must fulfill a set of criteria and requirements.
Once an inmate has been approved to adopt a cat, he or she must follow certain conditions or risk losing their eligibility to participate in the program.
If an inmate’s right to participate in the program is revoked, they must give up their pet cat. According to reports, convicts being withdrawn from the program are extremely rare.
The inmate who is taking part in the program is exclusively responsible for their pet cat’s needs.
Through prison work programs, the offender is obliged to make a living. They spend the money they earn on supplies for their pet.
Food and cat litter are required of the detainee. They must have their pet cat spayed or neutered, as well as receive regular veterinary treatment. Cat houses, toys, and snacks are all built by inmates for their pets.
Unexpected cellmates form an extraordinary friendship. The experience with their adopted cat, according to hardened criminals, has softened and changed them for the better.
Some participants claim that caring for their pets provides them with unconditional love, which they have never experienced before.
Many offenders are reluctant to take on the burden of caring for someone other than themselves. Many people have never had the chance to care for their pets before.
After adopting a cat, inmates say their stress levels have significantly decreased. They gain a sense of pride and learn to establish a new degree of trust.
Cats Help Build Connection For Inmates
For the first time, several inmates profess to feel sympathy. Many inmates haven’t felt affection for their cat in a long time, if ever.
From time to time, inmates rely on one another to look after each other’s pets. In a situation where there is typically little peace and trust, a relationship between inmates arranging pet-sitting care for their cats can establish a sense of calm and trust.
Prison officials are singing the program’s praises because of the serenity of the cats’ presence and the inmates’ intentional effort to preserve good behavior.
Some jail cat adoption programs exist to help rehabilitate a fearful or damaged cat into a loving and healthy companion.
An animal shelter can find a home for the healed prison cat. If a cat is not adopted, it will spend the rest of its life in jail, where it will be adored and cared for by a trusted inmate. When a person gets released from prison, they are allowed to take their cat with them.
Since the program’s inception, which began with one injured bird all those years ago, it has developed significantly. More jails have joined the initiative as a result of its continuous success, including a Louisiana animal refuge run by convicts.
Providing For A Requirement
An overabundance of unwanted cats is causing animal shelters around the country to receive much-needed assistance.
The fortunate cats are spared euthanasia and will live out their lives in happiness. The inmates learn the importance of caring for others.
Everyone inside the institution agrees that the cats’ presence has a calming effect on the entire environment.
Fear of losing their beloved cat keeps inmates on their best behavior, a cycle that continues to repeat itself. The more relaxed and peaceful environment is appreciated by the convicts, guards, and other prison personnel.
The Bottom Line
Some argue that inmates should not be permitted to care for animals. However, no matter how strongly people are pushed to be responsible pet owners, animal shelters continue to be overrun with cats. Every year, thousands of cats are euthanized due to overpopulation.
Is it so bad if an inmate learns significant life lessons through caring for a cat that no one else wants? Is it that horrible that a stray cat can teach a convict how to be a good person?
