Hon Anne Tolley
Minister of Corrections

13 March 2012

Puppies in prison benefit the community

Corrections Minister Anne Tolley says the Puppies in Prison programme, launched today at Spring Hill Corrections Facility, will reduce reoffending and lead to increased numbers of mobility dogs trained to help people living with disabilities.

“The programme, undertaken in partnership with the Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust, will see a number of low-security prisoners provide full-time training for mobility dogs, which will go on to assist people living with disabilities,” says Mrs Tolley.

“This programme is the first of its kind in a male prison in New Zealand, and follows the success of a similar programme at Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility, in place since 2009.

“Prisoners involved in the programme have developed important skills such as empathy, trust, and a sense of responsibility and we have seen a real improvement in behaviour and attitude.

“Research into similar programmes overseas shows that this kind of rehabilitation ultimately leads to reductions in reoffending and fewer victims of crime.

“We expect to see the same results at Spring Hill. The dogs require full-time care and will be trained to respond to around 50 commands, like opening and closing doors, passing objects and even sorting the washing.

“These dogs make a huge difference to the lives of disabled people and there is currently a huge waiting list for mobility dogs. We have found that the puppies trained at Auckland Women’s compare really well with those trained out in the community.

“The programme will also allow these prisoners to repay their debt to society and make a real difference to the lives of New Zealanders.”

The Trust places the puppies in the prison and will provide continued oversight of the training.

ENDS

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