Pawsitive Solutions: An Overview of Prison Dog Programs in Australia.

Animal Assisted Therapy

April 2021

Full Citation

Humby, L., & Barclay, E. (2018). Pawsitive Solutions: An Overview of Prison Dog Programs in Australia. The Prison Journal (Philadelphia, Pa.), 98(5), 580–603. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032885518793951

Abstract

A survey of animal welfare agencies and corrections departments across Australia was conducted to compile a nationwide profile of prison dog programs, wherein inmates train dogs while learning skills to assist their rehabilitation. Most programs operating in 23 prisons in six Australian states were a community service design administered by animal welfare organizations. Inmates benefit through opportunities to train the dogs, give back to society, gain a sense of responsibility, improve self-confidence and social skills, and acquire vocational qualifications to improve job opportunities postrelease. Barriers identified included insufficient funding, limited training opportunities for the dogs, and some staff resistance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)