It's a dog’s life being banged up in prison but cons are brushing aside boredom by making pooches look pristine.
Jail bosses are keeping inmates on a tight leash by offering a course in dog grooming, which includes shampooing, claw trimming, ear cleaning and even doggie facials.
A source said of the pilot scheme at category C Buckley Hall in Rochdale, Gtr Manchester: “It’s the last thing you’d expect hardened prisoners to be doing but it seems to be working.”
Some owners blow more than £3,000 a year on grooming. The insider said: “Normally inmates go into jobs like key cutting but this could be the next big thing.”
The dog scheme could be extended to other prisons. A Prison Service spokesman said: “Schemes like this cut reoffending which protects the public and saves taxpayer cash.”
Meanwhile, prison inmates at category B Bedford jail will have flowers and plants in their cells to make their lives more “harmonious”. The jail already has a picnic area, flowering cherry trees and a pond.
