Michael F. Easley
Governor

Theodis Beck
Secretary

North Carolina Department of Correction

Prison dog training program expands to Brown Creek Correctional Institution

POLKTON – Brown Creek Correctional Institution and Anson County Humane Society have teamed up to reduce the homeless population of dogs in Anson county and promote adoption of unwanted animals.

The “New Leash on Life” program allows state prison facilities to partner with local shelters and animal rescue agencies to train unwanted dogs, making them more adoptable. This partnership provides an opportunity for dogs, that otherwise may be euthanized, to be trained to provide companionship.  Inmates assigned to the program are carefully selected through an interview process, background search, must be infraction free for at least 90 days prior and must remain infraction free while assigned to the program.

Inmates will spend eight weeks working with the dogs, teaching basic obedience, house training and socialization through positive reinforcement and repetition. Commands such as sit, stay, come, heel and down will be taught as well as walking on and off leash.  The first three dogs, Betty, Happy and Maggie, arrived at Brown Creek Correctional Institution on Sept. 17.   

Most of the materials for housing the dogs as well as food and supplies have been donated. Veterinary services will be provided by Brown Creek Veterinary Hospital in Polkton. The volunteer trainer is Mr. Darrell Burgess who has worked with search and rescue dogs for nearly 12 years.

The first graduation is scheduled for November at Brown Creek Correctional Institution.  For further information on the program or questions concerning the graduation please contact Donna Miller at 704-694-2622 ext. 330.

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North Carolina Department of Correction
Public Information Office     4202 Mail Service Center     Raleigh NC 27699-4202
Phone (919) 716-3700      Fax: (919) 716-3795     www.doc.state.nc.us