News and Press Releases
Bad dogs sentenced to prison
LANGLEY -- Spud, a six-month-old mutt with serious "dominance issues," was facing death row at the Langley Animal Protection Society.
But he, and another 20 dogs, are being given one last chance, thanks to a unique program that sees the dogs do time in a human prison, paired with convicts tasked with taming the problem pooches.
In turn, officials hope the inmates themselves will learn new life skills that will help with their rehabilitation.
On Wednesday, at the Fraser Valley Institution for Women, Spud and a half-dozen cagey canines were marched past the prison gates. They began barking, jumping, and running in circles as they were met by three women -- some long-time criminals -- who began cooing, shaking paws and patting the dogs serving time.
"I find it very relaxing," said 23-year old Amanda Goldsworthy, an armed robber serving four years. "It helps us go through our problems before we go back into the community."
The prison has collaborated with the Langley Animal Protection Society to bring problem dogs to the prison's kennel.
The program gives inmates the opportunity to learn dog training and grooming skills, which they can later use in jobs such as a veterinarian assistant or professional trainer upon their release from prison.
Times Colonist (Victoria)
Thursday, August 17, 2006
In turn, officials hope the inmates themselves will learn new life skills that will help with their rehabilitation.
On Wednesday, at the Fraser Valley Institution for Women, Spud and a half-dozen cagey canines were marched past the prison gates. They began barking, jumping, and running in circles as they were met by three women -- some long-time criminals -- who began cooing, shaking paws and patting the dogs serving time.
"I find it very relaxing," said 23-year old Amanda Goldsworthy, an armed robber serving four years. "It helps us go through our problems before we go back into the community."
The prison has collaborated with the Langley Animal Protection Society to bring problem dogs to the prison's kennel.
The program gives inmates the opportunity to learn dog training and grooming skills, which they can later use in jobs such as a veterinarian assistant or professional trainer upon their release from prison.
Times Colonist (Victoria)
Thursday, August 17, 2006
