The article is from a March 2005 issue of the Journal of Correctional Education, and it goes on (for several more worthy pages) regarding inmate rehabilitation through obidience training with dogs, horses, and a few other animals.

Humanizing Prisons with Animals: A Closer Look at "Cell Dogs" and Horse Programs in Correctional Institutions


Abstract

If correctional education aims to transform individuals and bring about change, we need to consider the whole person who comes with human needs, emotions and attitudes. In order to expand our approach, alternative programs should be explored. A somewhat unusual but very promising approach to address offenders' human needs is the use of animals in institutions. The majority of these programs have a vocational skills component: Inmates train dogs to become service dogs for the disabled, or they work with horses, either wild mustangs or retired race horses in need of rehabilitation.

Although vocational training is certainly a major consideration, these programs are also highly therapeutic and rehabilitative. Suggested outcomes can benefit many: The inmate, the institution, other agencies, and the community. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of selected animal-assisted programs in correctional institutions and their reported benefits.
I think it's great what they're doing to make an already corrupt prison system a little bit of a better place for the inmates, guards, and the dogs. In some prisons, the dogs being brought in are also in need of behavioral rehabilitation, which is a great system as well.

-How do you feel about these types of programs?

-Have you heard of them before?

-Would you want to take part in this program if you were an inmate in a prison who took part in this or a similar program?

-Do you think inmates who have commited violent crimes could benefit from handling the dogs and learning to work with them patiently and non-violently?

-Is it good for the emotional health of the dog?

-Do you think this is a waste of tax money?

Share your thoughts :thumbsup:
Purple Banana Reviewed by Purple Banana on . Cell Dogs The article is from a March 2005 issue of the Journal of Correctional Education, and it goes on (for several more worthy pages) regarding inmate rehabilitation through obidience training with dogs, horses, and a few other animals. Humanizing Prisons with Animals: A Closer Look at "Cell Dogs" and Horse Programs in Correctional Institutions I think it's great what they're doing to make an already corrupt prison system a little bit of a better place for the inmates, guards, and the Rating: 5