Although animals appear to be increasingly incorporated into correctional programming, the field has failed to systematically study the phenomenon. The present research is an initial attempt to capture the extent to which these types of programs are being administered in U.S. prisons through a national survey of state correctional systems. The research regarding the potential therapeutic effects of animals and what we know about prison-based animal programs (PAPs) are reviewed. Among the results: The programs are in most states, are most commonly of a community service design that uses dogs, are more likely to involve male than female participants, and most were established after 2000. Livestock care/prison farms emerge as a unique type of PAP.
Arkow, P. (1998). Pet therapy: A study and resource guide for the use of companion animals in selected therapies (8th ed.). Stratford, NJ: Author.
2.
Batson, K., McCabe, B., Baun, M., & Wilson, C. (1998). The effect of a therapy dog on socialization and physiological indicators of stress in persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In C. Wilson & D. Turner (Eds.), Companion animals in human health (pp. 203-215). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
3.
Baun, M., & McCabe, B. (2000). The role animals play in enhancing quality of life for the elderly. In A. Fine (Ed.), Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice (pp. 237-251). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
4.
Beck, A., & Katcher, A. (1996). Between pets and people: The importance of animal companionship. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press.
5.
Becker, M. (2002). The healing power of pets. New York: Hyperion.
6.
Conover, T. (2000). Newjack: Guarding sing-sing. New York: Random House.
7.
Cushing, J., & Williams, J. (1995). The wild mustang program: A case study in facilitated inmate therapy. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 22, 95-112.
8.
Gorczyca, K., Fine, A., & Spain, C. (2000). History, theory, and development of human-animal support services for people with AIDS and other chronic/terminal illnesses. In A. Fine (Ed.), Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice (pp. 253-302). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
9.
Graham, B. (2000). Creature comfort: Animals that heal. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books.
10.
Harbolt, T., & Ward, T. (1991). Teaming incarcerated youth with shelter dogs for a second chance. Society & Animals, 9(2), 177-182.
11.
Harkrader, T., Burke, T., & Owen, S. (2004). Pound puppies: The rehabilitative uses of dogs in correctional facilities. Corrections Today, 66(2), 74-60.
12.
Hart, L. (2000). Psychosocial benefits of animal companionship. In A. Fine (Ed.), Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice (pp. 59-78). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
13.
Hines, L. (n.d.). Overview of animals in correctional facilities. In Delta Society (Ed.), Animals in institutions (pp. 111-112). Renton, WA: Delta Society.
14.
Johnson, R. (2002). Hard time: Understanding and reforming the prison (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
15.
Johnson, R., & Chernoff, N. (2002). “Opening a vein”: Inmate poetry and the prison experience. The Prison Journal, 82, 141-167.
16.
Lai, J. (1998, April). Pet facilitated therapy in correctional institutions. Paper prepared for Correctional Services of Canada by Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Women. Available at http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca
17.
Lee, D. (1987). Companion animals in institutions. In P. Arkow (Ed.), The loving bond: Companion animals in the helping professions (pp. 223-246). Saratoga, CA: R & E.
18.
Maruna, S. (2001). Making good: How ex-convicts reform and rebuild their lives. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
19.
Moneymaker, J., & Strimple, E. (1991). Animals and inmates: A sharing companionship behind bars. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 16, 133-152.
20.
Oshinsky, D. (1996). Worse than slavery: Parchman Farm and the ordeal of Jim Crow justice. New York: Free Press.
21.
Paluch, J., Jr. (2004). A life for a life: Life imprisonment: America’s other death penalty. Los Angeles: Roxbury.
22.
Perelle, I., & Granville, D. (1993). Assessment of the effectiveness of a pet facilitated therapy program in a nursing home setting. Society and Animals, 1, 7-21.
23.
Sampson, R., & Laub, J. (1993). Crime in the making: Pathways and turning points through life. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
24.
Siegel, J. (1990). Stressful life events and use of physician services among the elderly: The modifying role of pet ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58, 1081-1086.
25.
Sterngold, J. (2002, March 21). In Los Angeles, a traveler’s best friend. The New York Times, p. A24-A24.
26.
Toch, H. (2000). Altruistic activity as correctional treatment. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 44, 270-278.
27.
Walsh, P., & Mertin, P. (1994). The training of pets as therapy dogs in a women’s prison: A pilot study. Anthrozoos, 7(2), 124-128.
28.
Woods, B. (1991, Winter). The effects of canine therapy sessions with SBH. WARDS: Science and Animal Care, 3-4.
