Home / Crime and Justice / Prison Ferrets Turn Vicious in Rat Hunt
Prison Ferrets Turn Vicious in Rat Hunt
21 Jun
Summary
- Therapy ferrets used to kill rats at UK prison.
- Incident involved a distressed boy witnessing attack.
- Union calls for immediate halt to controversial practice.
Prison officers' union has demanded an immediate cessation of a controversial pest control method at HMYOI Wetherby, the UK's largest children's prison. The practice involved using pet therapy ferrets to kill rats, a measure implemented last month due to an increase in rodent numbers within the facility. This situation has raised significant concerns regarding the welfare of both children and animals involved.
According to union complaints, the incident resulted in a boy, who helps care for the ferrets, witnessing a graphic attack on a rat. Further reports suggest a senior staff member then allegedly stomped the injured rodent to death in front of other officers. The Prison Officers Association chair has criticized the practice as unacceptable and stated it highlights failures in outsourced maintenance contracts.
Animal-assisted therapy, including the use of ferrets, has been part of a therapeutic program for traumatized children at Wetherby for over a decade. However, the recent rat infestation led to management approving the use of ferrets for vermin control. The union's complaint details significant concerns about animal welfare, health and safety, and professional conduct, particularly given a young individual's presence during the incident.
