PUPS IN PRISON HELPING TO REHABILITATE OFFENDERS

Man’s best friend is proving a good ally in the attempt to rehabilitate offenders at a Queensland prison farm.

Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence has announced the Darling Downs Correctional Centre has started a ‘Pups In Prison’ program as part of a ground-breaking rehabilitation scheme.

Ms Spence said four puppies have taken up residence in order to encourage prisoners to take care and responsibility for others.

“The puppies will be cared for by prisoners at Darling Downs over the next 16 months,” Ms Spence said.

“The two black Labradors and two Golden Retrievers are all eight weeks old.

“Prisoners will be required to care for them, which will give them new levels of responsibility, self-esteem and communication skills.

“Pets are known to help reduce stress levels, and they should also increase general self-esteem with the prisoners, as well as patience, compassion and cooperation.

“At the end of their 16 month stint in the prison, the dogs will be returned to Assistance Dogs Australia who will train them to work with elderly or disabled people.”

Ms Spence said Pups In Prison was an innovative addition to the range of prisoner rehabilitation programs in Queensland’s correctional centres.

Pups In Prison began in Numbinbah Women’s Correctional Centre, in the Gold Coast hinterland, in September last year, and prisoners have to date cared for five female dogs and a total of 30 puppies.

Assistance Dogs Australia Chief Executive Officer Richard Lord said Pups in Prison had been a fantastic success during the past five years in New South Wales.

“We are very excited that the program is now extending to Queensland for the first time,” Mr Lord said.

“These remarkable dogs change the lives of many elderly people, as well as young people who have suffered quadriplegia as a result of traumatic accidents.

“The program has had a profound effect on all involved at NSW’s Kirkconnell Correctional Centre and we look forward to working with staff and prisoners at Darling Downs.”

Mr Lord said Assistance Dogs Australia is a non-profit organisation that trains Labradors and Golden Retrievers to help enhance the quality of life and improve the level of independence for people with disabilities.

Mr Lord said the organisation is inviting the community to help name one of the female pups.

“The name must start with “T” and be of two syllables (for example “Taffy”),” Mr Lord said.

“Entries can be emailed to names@assistancedogs.org.au before January 31.”

Ms Spence said prisoners are chosen to participate in the Pups in Prison program by demonstrating their capability to accept responsibility, and are assessed during a two-week probation period for their suitability.

Prisoners who have been charged or convicted of offences against animals do not participate or have any contact with the dogs.

Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 (Minister’s office)

Richard Lord, CEO Assistance Dogs Australia, 0418 297 555