Pets for prisoners

[Cendrillon]

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20100505/twl-prison-pets-raising-morale-in-france-41f21e0.html

[suein56]

That link didn't work for me: how about this one.

Great idea IMO.

Sue

[Framboise]

Theres a similar scheme operating in several high category penitentiaries in USA whereby the prisoners take in dogs from the pound and rehabilitate them as helper dogs etc. It was heartwarming to see these hardened prisoners giving their love and devotion to abandoned dogs, helping them to find new lives and families of their own where before they were discarded like rubbish. It was noted that most of the guards now owned Prison Dogs, as well as a good number of the prisoners who were released had their canine chums waiting for them back with their families. Some prisoners even got jobs working as dog trainers for the Guide Dogs association on release. And then there was the Bird Man of Alcatraz.

I heard Rose West is an animal lover though - she was allowed to keep a rabbit.

[Framboise]

an extract from something I got through from relatives in USA

SHERIFF JOE IS AT IT AGAIN!

You all remember Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona , who painted the jail cells pink and made the inmates wear pink prison garb. Well..........

SHERIFF JOE IS AT IT AGAIN!

Oh, there's MUCH more to know about Sheriff Joe!

Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay.

The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who'd like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dog s off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows.

The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. Teresa and I adopted a Weimaraner from a Maricopa County shelter two years ago. He was neutered and current on all shots, in great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day we got him. Cost us $78.

The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals