ABSTRACT
Carceral settings attempt to create submissive bodies through the use of various structures that limit contact. Individuals living in these spaces often attempt to subvert the isolation of prison through various forms of relating. This chapter assesses human and non-human coexistence in these environments as an attempt to undermine carceral logics. Here, I posit that humans and non-humans reciprocate physical, emotional, and verbal contact within carceral settings through a mutual understanding and desire. Utilizing fictional and non-fictional examples, I suggest that non-human animals play a pivotal role in prison settings that are often unnoticed or under-examined in critical criminological research. Furthermore, it is important to recognize how these relationships are formed and why these bonds matter within carceral contexts.
