Of course, these innocent creatures, who have not been imprisoned for any crime, are floundering in the corridors of the prisons, while at the same time they become the mascots of the place.
The results of this practice, which is made to rehabilitate the prisoners, are very positive for both cats and inmates!
In the 1980s; An experiment was conducted combining prisoners and cats.
In the mid-1980s, an experimental program called ‘The Cat’ was run in a male prison in Switzerland. Prisoners were allowed to have their own cats in and/or outside their cells. The schedule was strictly followed to make sure the cats were well cared for and safe.
The report of the experiment found that for inmates, cats were “a way of coping with loneliness, a living creature they can trust and non-judgmental, a generally accepted way of showing love and affection.” It also created an emotional state that facilitated their psychological treatment.
Prison with cats programs are carried out with the cooperation of associations and prisons.
The positive effect of caring for a cat, loving it and taking responsibility for it has already been scientifically proven. For this reason; It doesn’t seem unreasonable to pair cats who are emotionally stable, affectionate, and leave positive emotions with prison inmates.
Purrfect Pals found it difficult to find homes for semi-wild or extremely reserved cats that needed socialization and human contact. The inmates, however, readily agreed to meet this need.
Before cats are sent to prisons, certain procedures are followed.
Of course, in these programs, cats are not sent directly to inmates. Before; Many criteria such as the exemplary behavior of the offenders, their hygiene, their psychiatric stability, their attitude towards society and their participation in rehabilitation programs are taken into account.
In addition, cats go to these prisons, spayed and vaccinated. Moreover, the population of cats on the streets is decreasing. Other organizations, such as Purrfect Pals, can create their own programs and run their programs in collaboration with prisons.
This practice has positive effects on both cats and humans.
Caring for cats has profound effects on both the health and happiness of inmates and management. Here are just a few of its proven benefits:
- Neutering is the primary practice necessary for the health of cats. Besides, it stabilizes the population. Vaccines also keep cats healthy by preventing possible diseases.
- Cats in prison offer inmates a humane approach, encourage compassion, and instill responsibility by taking care of them.
- There is a decrease in the recidivism rates of inmates who interact with cats.
- Penitentiary officers who care for cats develop closer relationships among themselves.
In 2006, the first national survey of prison-based animal programs found the following findings about inmates:
- 100% reduction in stress level
- Increased inmate relationship/trust in 97%
- Increase in self-control of 93%
- Increased humaneness and calmness in 89%
- 85% increase in work ethic
- Increased sense of pride/achievement in 80%
Considering the results of this practice, which is generally carried out in prisons in the USA and has no example in our country, it can be seen that it plays an important role in the rehabilitation of prisoners.
Other photos that will soften your heart:
Sources: Prison Based Animal Programs, Purrfect Pals, Know Your Cat, Alley Cat
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