A popular – and successful -K-9 program is coming to the Bulloch County Correctional Institute.
In a collaboration with the Bulloch County Animal Shelter, the inmate K-9 training program is set to begin in the first week of May at the prison in Bulloch County. Staff made the announcement during Tuesday’s county commission meeting.
These programs rescue and rehabilitates dogs that may otherwise be euthanized while positively impacting the offenders within the facility. Detainees must submit an essay, submit to a background check and go through an interview process. Their institutional history is also assessed to ensure they’re good candidate for the program.
In May, the first two dogs in the Bulloch County program will be assigned to two inmates who will cohabitate with the dogs, provide training, and ensure grooming and feeding for five to six weeks.
It is expected that the program will turn out 16 to 17 adoptable animals per year.
Inmates will be trained in a partnership with an experienced rescue and will be eligible for Veterinary Assistant/Animal Healthcare credit certifications from the Technical College of Central Georgia.
Deputy Warden Jack Coon told commissioners that the program is fairly successful and a great opportunity to create an adoptable pet and rehabilitate inmates. Canine training and rescue programs are provided to female and male offenders at multiple facilities across the state. According to the Department of Corrections, Lee Arrendale State Prison, Augusta State Medical Prison, Colwell Probation Detention Center, Metro Reentry Facility, Burruss Correctional Training Center, Jenkins Correctional Facility, Pulaski State Prison, and Riverbend Correctional Facility all have successful programs.
Staff reported that 90% of the offenders at BCCI return back to the community – in Bulloch County or elsewhere – and the program is another opportunity to equip inmates with tools for their release while giving back at the same time.
