ABSTRACT
Animals may be used to ferry contraband into prisons, or they may impermissibly reside in the prison as animal companions. Contraband is just as prolific in prisons as it is in free society. Some prisons are infested with roaches or mice. Such infestations may violate prisoners' constitutional right to be free of cruel and unusual punishment if infestations affect prisoners psychologically. After inflicting animal cruelty, offenders may be forbidden from possessing animals or working with animals temporarily or permanently. NFL football star Michael Vick was banned from owning dogs for three years after he was caught operating dogfights. Sometimes bans are imposed for less serious crimes. In the United Kingdom a puppy treated himself to a vodka and Coke that he discovered in a cup on the floor after his owner exited their apartment momentarily. When people mistreat animals or inappropriately capitalize on their relationships with animals, the government may intervene.
