PUPPY PROGRAM BITES MESSENGER

Rob Messenger’s latest criticism of the new Puppies in Prisons program announced by Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence in parliament today again proves his inability to know the details of his opposition portfolio.

‘Pups in Prison’ - a Queensland first - is a partnership between Queensland Corrective Services and Assistance Dogs Australia and has seen five dogs – three black Labradors and two Golden Retrievers – take up residence at the Darling Downs Correctional Centre.

It is very sad that Mr Messenger can’t support a positive program in our prisons.

Assistance Dogs Australia is already running a similar program in a New South Wales prison.

Not only do prisoners learn new levels of responsibility, self-esteem and communication skills by looking after the puppies, great organisations like Assistance Dogs Australia and the Animal Refuge on the Gold Coast benefit from this program.

The Pups in Prison program Mr Messenger ridicules will not only provide rehabilitation for prisoners but also provide assistance dogs for people with disabilities. It is an example of offenders giving back to the community. These dogs cost around $25 000 to train.

In September last year the Numinbah Correctional Centre in the Gold Coast Hinterland introduced a program where prisoners in the women’s unit began fostering dogs and pups from the local animal shelter.

In many instances these dogs have been found abandoned or have been mistreated by their owners.

To date eight dogs and 55 puppies have been through the program.

The puppies are cared for and trained before being returned to the Animal Welfare League which finds suitable homes for them.

Prisoners gain much from being given the opportunity to give something back to society and groups like Assistance Dogs, Animal Welfare League and Wildlife Care groups are benefiting as well.

Queensland Corrective Services has the largest dog squad in Australia.

There are 74 in Queensland more than double the number in New South Wales (30) and triple in Victoria (23).

They are used extensively throughout correctional centres to detect drugs and contraband on both offenders and visitors.

Queensland has maintained a zero tolerance policy to drugs in correctional centres.

Last year Detectives with the Corrective Services Investigation Unit (CSIU) laid 528 charges against 415 persons.

The majority of these charges related to the possession of contraband by prisoners and their visitors. We have an extensive intelligence system and run targeted operations at the centres.

Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287