Dog training program expands to four more prisons

Michael F. Easley Governor		Theodis Beck Secretary
North Carolina Department of Correction

For Release: IMMEDIATE	Contact: Pamela Walker
Date: Jan. 13, 2005	Phone: (919) 716-3700

Prisons expand inmate dog training pilot programs -Kickoff events planned at four prisons- The Division of Prisons is expanding its pilot community service program “A New Leash on Life-Prison Dog Training Program” to four more prisons. The program puts inmates to work grooming and training basic obedience skills to homeless dogs to make the dogs more adoptable. In addition, it unites prisons, local animal rescue agencies and community groups to help reduce the homeless pet population, promote adoption of unwanted pets and provide education about responsible pet ownership. A select group of inmates will participate in the pilot program at the following prisons: Cabarrus Correctional Center, Bladen Correctional Center, Craven Correctional Institution and Caledonia Correctional Institution. Marion Minimum Security Unit and Black Mountain Correctional Center for Women have been piloting the program since May 2004. There will be media availability following kickoff events for the program at the four new pilot sites. Kickoff event details: Cabarrus Correctional Center Mt. Pleasant, NC Tuesday, Jan. 18 1:00 p.m. Contact: Supt. Fred Wrangham (704) 436-6519 Craven Correctional Institution Vanceboro, NC Wednesday, Jan. 19 1:30 p.m. Contact: Asst. Supt. Gwen Gordon (252) 244-3337 Bladen Correctional Center Elizabethtown, NC Tuesday, Jan. 25 Contact: Supt. Flint Benson (910) 862-3107 Caledonia Correctional Institution Tillery, NC Tuesday Feb. 1 11 a.m. Contact: Bill Carroll (252) 826-5621 NOTE: If you plan to attend, please notify the contact person at the prison. Reporters and photographers should bring a valid photo ID. # # #