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Pets in Prison: Programs Place Dogs with Inmates

To most people it probably sounds strange to hear the words pets in prison, but programs which place dogs with inmates are becoming more popular in several states. No it's not a matter of letting convicted criminals have pets, but rather it is a method for joining animal rescue and rehabilitation into a unique program to benefit society. Several dog programs exist in different states and have different goals ranging from rescuing pound dogs to rehabilitating dogs rescued from fighting rings, as well as having a positive impact on the offenders within the correctional facilities. As these prison dog programs become more popular across the country, we can expect to hear a lot more about them. Below are some of the programs going strong now.
Safe Harbor Prison Dogs
The Safe Harbor program started in 2004 with a group of rescued shelter dogs being brought to a correctional facility in Lansing, KS. The program utilizes approximately 100 inmates trained as dog handlers to help socialize the dogs rescued from high kill facilities. The dogs are first properly socialized and then house and leash trained to prepare them for adoption.
Prison Dog Program Downeast Correctional facility
The downeast facility in Bucks Harbor, Maine uses inmate dog handlers to train service dogs for the disabled. Dogs that are rescued from death at the pound are trained for placement with people who have special needs.
Puppies For Parole
In early 2010 Jefferson City Correctional Center partnered with the local animal shelter in Jefferson City, MO to bring rescue dogs into the prison for training and socialization before being adopted out to new families. The program is designed to have a rehabilitative influence on the offenders while finding homes for needy animals. The program started at the Jefferson City facility, but it won't end there; three other Missouri prisons are set to follow the lead.
Colorado Department of Corrections
The prison dog program is run in ten different prisons throughout the state and includes over 100 dogs that have been rescued from puppy mills and shelters. The training ranges from basic obedience to advanced training for assistance animals.
As with anything new, the prison dog programs have received divided responses from communities with some people praising them and others much more critical. It's understandable that animal lovers would be concerned at hearing of dogs being placed in a prison with convicted felons; however, when carried out properly, prison dog programs have a positive impact on offenders by giving them something to contribute to society, while saving dogs' lives. In the end it's a win/win for the dogs and society.
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