The usually tranquil surroundings of HMYOI Wetherby, the UK's largest children's prison, have been disrupted by a disturbing sight: ferrets, once used as therapy animals for vulnerable youngsters, being repurposed for rat control. As reported by staff and inmates alike, dozens of rats have invaded offices and grounds, prompting management to approve an unconventional approach that has sparked concerns about both child and animal welfare.
A complaint lodged by the Prison Officers Association (POA) details a distressing incident in which a boy caring for the ferrets witnessed a rat being cornered and attacked by one of the animals. The injured rodent was then reportedly 'stomped to death' by a senior staff member in front of prison officers, sparking allegations that maintenance contracts for vermin control across the prison estate are failing.
HMYOI Wetherby, located in West Yorkshire, accommodates up to 288 boys aged 15-18, although it currently houses around 100. Initially introduced over a decade ago as part of an animal-assisted therapy programme for traumatised young people, the ferrets have been repurposed to control the rat infestation that has plagued the prison since mid-May.
The POA's complaint, addressed to Governor Mark Scott, highlights significant concerns regarding 'animal welfare, health and safety, infection control, and professional conduct'. It specifically notes the presence of a young individual during the incident, deeming the exposure 'inappropriate and potentially distressing'. Furthermore, it was alleged that rather than using approved pest control methods for captured rats, a manager advised 'stomping on them or throwing them against walls', raising questions about compliance with relevant legislation.
A separate complaint submitted to the Health and Safety Executive describes how a ferret 'was running freely and chased the rat eventually biting it and holding it still' until a senior staff member intervened by 'stomping on the rat until it died'. The union argues that this incident poses a risk of trauma for child inmates and prison officers alike, while also raising concerns about contamination and the potential breach of multiple Acts, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. The National Ferret Welfare Society has stated their inability to condone 'the stamping to death of any animal in any situation', although they have declined further comment on the specifics.