Overview

• The Northern Ireland Prison Service said the support dog was relocated after police warned of a callous external plan to harm him to embarrass the prison governor.
• Officials stated Bailey was safe, registered with a veterinary practice, and previously assessed as well cared for during local council visits.
• Causeway Coast Dog Rescue led a protest and said there is no formal confirmation that the move is permanent, calling for transparency and a policy framework for dogs in prisons.
• The charity alleged Bailey was informally sourced without certified therapy training, risk assessments, or clear safeguards after a welfare charity declined to supply a dog.
• Ulster Unionist MLA Jon Burrows said the dog is now in a family home with a trained carer and criticized the episode, while the Prison Service defended the rehabilitative role of support dogs and rejected claims of neglect.