The Albion Correctional Facility now has a Canine Training Program.
Two dogs will be trained by five inmates and a trainer, meeting twice a week for eight to 12 weeks. The dogs, selected from the Orleans County Animal Shelter and will live at the prison during their training, will later be available for adoption.
“The dogs give a lot of love and it’s just a great thing,” said inmate Amanda Hunt. “I just hope it’s going to help me get through the rest of my time here. And at the end of the day, it’s for the puppies and they’re hopefully going to find great homes to go to.”
Between 35 and 40 inmates expressed an interest in the program.
More dogs will be selected for training later. The dogs must be at least six months old and non-aggressive to be eligible.