A touch of the outside on the inside: the effect of animal contact on the pains/strains of imprisonment

The Impact of Working with Farm Animals on People with Offending Histories: A Scoping Review

“…Langat’s (2016) study with short term offenders on a Kenyan prison farm, considered the impact of the farming program on recidivism but the farm animal work (which included dairy production, cattle, poultry, and rabbit rearing) was not explored separately to other activities such as crop production and recidivism data was not available. Hill’s (2020) quasi-experimental study indicated that both direct and indirect contact with animals reduced the negative aspects of imprisonment by improving the relationship between correctional staff and prisoners, reducing the perception of stress and reducing institutional violence. While not evidenced within this study, the author highlighted the links between improved custodial environments, of which animal contact can be a conduit, and decreased recidivism post release.…”

“…One of the sources discussed mechanisms for change with animals in rehabilitation programs generally but without a specific focus on farm animal work. With reference to General Strain Theory, Hill (2020) discussed animals as the conduit to strain reduction in prison and as a “social lubricant” (p. 448) between prison staff and prisoners which can ultimately improve their relationship and assist in decreasing recidivism. Moore et al’s (2015) research included quotations from prisoner participants where self-identity and labeling issues appeared important (e.g., “I don’t feel so much of an inmate”).…”

“…Limited research on people with offending histories who work with dairy cattle was identified. In Hill’s (2020) study, only one of the three participating prison farms (Wateree Correctional Institution) had a dairy farm where eight prisoners took care of the cows and their calves. While they were included as part of the animal work treatment group which was compared with indirect animal contact and no animal contact farm work, Hill (2020) did not investigate their experiences as a standalone group.…”

“…In Hill’s (2020) study, only one of the three participating prison farms (Wateree Correctional Institution) had a dairy farm where eight prisoners took care of the cows and their calves. While they were included as part of the animal work treatment group which was compared with indirect animal contact and no animal contact farm work, Hill (2020) did not investigate their experiences as a standalone group. Fitzgerald et al (2021) noted that the re-opening of the two CSC prison farms included plans for a herd of 90 dairy cows on site by August 2023.…”

Can Rehabilitation Work in Military Prison? A Theoretical Framework Based on the Israeli Case

“…A research study by Timler et al (2019) illustrated how a rehabilitation program focused on vegetable garden cultivation with products donated to a disadvantaged population restored incarcerees' self-esteem. In addition, another study on the impact of an animal rehabilitation program found it to be effective in alleviating the pains of imprisonment (Hill, 2020).…”