Therapy ferrets used to kill rats at UK’s largest children’s prison

HMYOI Wetherby, the UK's largest children's prison, employed pet therapy ferrets to kill rats last month. This practice was approved by prison managers following an increase in rat infestations within prison offices and grounds. The use of ferrets for pest control has raised significant concerns regarding the welfare of both the children housed at the facility and the animals themselves. The Prison Officers' Association has called for an immediate cessation of this method, citing fears of potential harm and the ethical implications of using therapy animals in such a capacity. The incident occurred at the West Yorkshire facility, which houses young offenders.