HENDERSON CO., KY (WFIE) -
Henderson County Detention Center says dogs are helping to bring out the best in their inmates. And a local animal rescue shelter says inmate dog adoption helps out not just the inmates, but the county's animals, too.
The detention center says it adopted two dogs about three months ago and New Hope Animal Rescue Center, who adopted those dogs out, tell 14 News that they're hoping more adoptions are to come.
"There's just something about a dog or cat that brings out the best in a human being," said Capt. Edward Vaught, a supervisor with the Henderson County Detention Center's Community Service Program.
Vaught says having dogs like Wilson around the past few months has brought plenty of smiles to inmates' faces.
"They get a chance to interact with that animal the way they don't normally get to interact with, say other people while you're locked up," Vaught said.
The no-kill facility, New Hope Animal Rescue Center says right now they're around full capacity, and should a new inmate dog adoption program start, it would help save the lives of more animals in the county.
"We have waiting lists that are so long of people that are waiting to surrender or we have strays that we have to turn down every day," said Paula Hawkins, the Director of New Hope.
Vaught says one of their two dogs, Bruce, just passed away, the vet's office says from a turned stomach that couldn't be prevented.
New Hope says if the detention center chooses to participate in an adoption program, they'd take four to six dogs at a time for a six-week period and train them.
"At the end of the six weeks, we'd have an adopt-a-thon and hopefully these dogs would find forever homes," Hawkins said.
New Hope tells 14 News a program would mean more smiles for the inmates, and more outside playtime for the dogs.
"They've sent us pictures and show us how they run and play, so it's been a very good situation. It's a win-win for both the animals and the inmates," said Patti Bugg, the Vice President of New Hope.
New Hope says they're still in-talks with the county and the detention center about starting up a program.
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