Chiayi Prison recently launched its first animal-assisted therapy program to promote life education and enhance rehabilitation outcomes. On the afternoon of September 30, Chiayi Prison invited Counselor Wu Sih-Ying, Deputy Director of Xiangyu Counseling Center, to share her expertise in animal-assisted therapy with the inmates, demonstrating how therapeutic interactions with animals can support professional treatment approaches.

     Animal-assisted therapy involves incorporating animals as therapeutic agents to improve human mental and physical well-being, enhancing quality of life. This approach is currently applied across various fields, including psychology, social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and nursing. Scientific research shows that pets can have a calming effect due to their ability to fulfill the basic human need for touch. Even incarcerated individuals have exhibited lasting behavioral changes after interacting with animals, with many experiencing mutual affection for the first time.

     As Taiwan`s population ages, correctional institutions are increasingly addressing the needs of elderly inmates. Animal-assisted therapy not only supports health care needs for older adults but also helps alleviate loneliness, provides emotional comfort, boosts self-esteem, and encourages physical activity through interactive play with animals. Therefore, this session targeted inmates aged 65 and above, with 30 participants. The curriculum included interactive exercises designed to foster bonding with therapy dogs, thus promoting physical and mental well-being among elderly inmates. Given that elderly inmates often lack family support, this program seeks to fill that gap through the companionship provided by therapy animals.

     Throughout the course, the therapy dogs not only served as playmates but also acted as "animal doctors," stimulating the five senses through touch and close contact. The simple act of petting these animals activates responses in the brain, creating a sense of comfort and happiness, which helps soothe emotions. Inmates participating in this course expressed enthusiasm for the program`s interactive and compassionate approach, appreciating the departure from traditional didactic instruction. Many found the experience refreshing and expressed hope for more such opportunities in the future. Chiayi Prison remains committed to addressing the needs of its elderly inmates and plans to continue offering similar programs, if the budget permits.