Does An Animal Shelter On Jail Grounds Sound Like A Good Idea?

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA – The Board of Supervisors agreed today to consider putting an animal shelter on the grounds of a county jail.

Supervisor Michael Antonovich -- an animal lover who has worked to increase the number of adoptions from local shelters -- made the recommendation.

Antonovich pointed to the Prison Pet Partnership in Washington and Paws in Prison in Arkansas as examples of animal care programs that can have a positive impact on both inmates and guards.

"It reduces violence in corrections institutions and supports the rehabilitation and re-entry of inmates," Antonovich said in his motion asking to explore the feasibility of opening a shelter at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

Proponents say an inmate-shelter program can increase positive social interactions and build post-release job skills.

The Prison Pet Partnership trains rescued dogs to work as service animals with disabled individuals. Those who don't make the cut as service dogs are obedience trained and "paroled" for adoption, according to the organization's website.

A report is expected back in 30 days.

• To read about fundraisers underway to help displaced pets and exotic animals during Sand Fire, follow this link.

--City News Service/Image courtesy of Prison Pet Partnership on Facebook