asked Her Majesty's Government:How many guard dogs are currently employed in security arrangements at HM Prisons compared with 12 months ago, and whether there are any plans to increase their future use.Whether, if the use of guard dogs continues to be an integral part of the security provisions at HM Prisons, there is any intention to reduce the number of dogs employed, and whether implementation of the Fresh Start proposals at any prison establishment will lead to a reduction in the number of dogs used, or in the security arrangements contingent on the use of dogs.
Dog patrols will continue to play an integral role in security arrangements at selected establishments as hitherto. The complement of patrol dogs was 326 on 30th September 1986 and 345 on 30th September 1987. There are no plans at present to change their numbers significantly. Fresh Start arrangements have now been implemented at more than half the establishments. In none of these has the complement of patrol dogs been reduced. In some there has been a small increase.