In the US, shelter dogs are sent to prison (12 photos + 1 video)

Unfortunately, millions of dogs end up on the streets or in shelters. And some of them do not want to be taken to their families - especially if a dog, for example, is intimidated or aggressive after living in a disadvantaged family. But in the USA there is a special program for such "problem" dogs, difficult to find owners. They are sent to prisons where caring for and re-educating prisoners.





Dog shelters in America are sometimes overcrowded with wards. By all states have about 3,500 shelters, but this is still catastrophically small in order to take care of all homeless animals. Employees sometimes they send dogs for euthanasia, for which they cannot find for a long time owners, due to lack of space, due to age or behavioral problems. Most often these are "problem" dogs, intimidated or aggressive. after living in a disadvantaged environment. About 50% of large animals Shelters are euthanized every year for various reasons. But to save pussies, a special program was introduced in the country. Dogs aimed at euthanasia, sent to prison.



As part of the New Leash On Life program, prisoners take care of shelter dogs - as a result, the dog is more socialized, and for prisoner communication with a dog also acts as a kind of therapy. Program staff first teach prisoners how to handle the dog, train and teach important skills, so that later these furries could find loving families. The prisoners are next to dogs all the time, and only glad to communicate with them and do good case. Interaction with dogs also teaches them responsibility and unconditional love.





According to the program staff, everyone deserves a second chance - and shelter dogs that were going to be sent for euthanasia, and prisoners. The duration of the program is a couple of months. this time enough for the dog to socialize, acquire new habits or learned something new. After that, for the dogs they start looking permanent families. At the moment, for most of these dogs successfully found at home.



In addition, there is another program in prisons involving dogs. Within its framework, prisoners train dogs, which in the future become service animals or therapy animals for sick people. Such trained dogs help owners with autism, depression, post-traumatic disorder, and stroke survivors.