Prison goat project helps rehabilitate inmates

AN UNUSUAL group of "inmates" were granted parole from Shelton Abbey prison in Co Wicklow yesterday ahead of a long journey to a new life in eastern Africa.

The herd of 320 dairy goats were reared and cared for by prisoners on a farm at the open detention facility over the past three months. They will be airlifted to Uganda next week as part of a project run by Bóthar, which is attempting to alleviate poverty and encourage sustainable living in the developing world.

The goats, donated by farmers from across the country, will be joined in Belfast by another herd of 100 before they embark on a 10-hour flight from Belfast International Airport to Entebbe Airport in Uganda. They then face two weeks in quarantine prior to making their way to the homes of 400 "needy families".

"The goat has long been seen here as the poor man's cow, a pest, something that eats clothes off the washing line, but for the people who are waiting for these goats in Uganda they will be a saviour that will hopefully help change their lives," Bóthar CEO Peter Ireton said.

About 10 of the 86 prisoners detained at Shelton Abbey, which houses offenders preparing for their release, participated in the project. Bóthar and the Irish Prison Service said they were delighted at how the initiative has worked out, and it is hoped that further projects will be carried out at the facility in future.

"It's an opportunity for us to involve prisoners in a very worthwhile project which helps foster a sense of responsibility," said Brian Purcell, Irish Prison Service director general. "It encourages the kind of skills and attitudes they need if they're going to finish paying their debt to society before being released back into the community."

He said that "caring for animals has a very therapeutic effect" and "fosters a caring attitude" which is important to rehabilitation. "It's an opportunity to give something back and help people who are much less fortunate than they [the prisoners] are. The response of the prisoners is very positive."

One of the inmates involved said feeding, rearing and caring for the animals when ill had been a great experience. "We've seen a DVD of where the goats will go in Africa and it's good to know it helps. It's great to be involved in it, especially when something good is being done for people who need it. It has helped pass the time and keep us busy." He said he hoped to participate in such a project again before his release next year. "We will be sorry to see them go in a way, but hopefully we'll get more in again before too long."

Some inmates had previously worked with animals, while others had no experience.