Overview
- The Northern Ireland Prison Service said the cocker spaniel was moved after the PSNI warned of a plan to harm the dog to embarrass the governor, adding Bailey is safe and being cared for.
- Causeway Coast Dog Rescue says it has only unofficial word of a relocation and no confirmation of a permanent placement, and it continues to push for transparency and governance.
- UUP MLA and former senior PSNI officer Jon Burrows said Bailey is now in a family home and called the handling of the scheme amateurish, urging an independent review.
- Activists allege Bailey was sourced informally, lacked therapy-dog training, and lived in the prison full time; officials reject claims of neglect, citing veterinary registration and a local council check.
- Protesters gathered outside Magilligan as NIPS defended the wider use of support dogs in prisons, highlighting benefits for prisoner wellbeing and rehabilitation.