Their is a wonderful show on Animal Planet called Cell Dogs. This show chronicles the training of a service dogs, by prisoners, for the disabled. Listening to the testimony of these prisoners is eye opening. They talk about moving from a very angry mental state that landed them in prison to one of care and love for the animal they are training. It is amazing to see how the sense of responsibility they develop for the dog and the love they have and they receive in return impacts them very deeply.
Attention has increasingly been given to animal-assisted programs in correctional institutions because of the impact they are having, like this article "Humanizing Prisons with Animals." This article talks about other programs such as rehabilitating and training horses, which have also been implemented at correctional facilities, like this one in Nevada.
As more studies demonstrate the effectiveness of these programs, they are more often used in these situations and appear to accomplish what traditional rehabilitation can not do for prisoners, rehabilitating their heart, their compassion, and their self-worth.
Isn't there a similar prison pet program around here somewhere? I think I saw information and photos at LAS. I think it's great for inmates to be able to learn these crucial interaction skills and empathy through animals. My grandfather said often that a person who was intentionally cruel to animals was not someone to be trusted.
ReplyDeleteI will look around to see if there is a local program. I have not heard of one. I agree, though, that these programs are really helpful.. Thanks for coming by!
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