Inmates at a Scots prison are demanding the reintroduction of jailhouse cats in a bid to sort out an infestation of mice.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh is being plagued by vermin and calls are being made for a new tactic to solve the problem.
Feral cats were once a common sight in jails across the country and were left alone to roam and deal with mice issues.
Mouse sightings are a regular occurrence for prisoners who have even taken to barricading the bottom of cells doors with towels in an effort to keep them out.
Pest control workers have been hired by jail bosses but many inmates want to deploy cats to solve the crisis.
A prison source said: “The mouse problem is really bad. They’re seen scurrying around all the time.
“It’s especially bad just now because prisoners are in their cells for most of the day due to coronavirus safety measures.
“The prison has done various things to try to solve the problem but now inmates are wanting cats to be allowed in.
“A few cats could deal with the issue pretty quickly. They would be a popular addition.”
Food waste is believed to be attracting the mice.
The Scottish Prison Service said there were no plans to introduce cats at Saughton.
