Prisoners may help train mobility dogs

Inmates could be used to help train mobility dogs for disabled people.

A Corrections Department spokeswoman has confirmed officials had met Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust to discuss the possibility of placing mobility dogs in prisons.

Talks were at an early stage but it "has the potential to be a very positive initiative".(...)

Wellington Multiple Sclerosis Society president Jan Kelly said the initiative was an excellent idea because animals had a positive influence on people.

Of course they do, but I would imagine that dog training in prison might be better for the dogs on death-row.

But Canterbury University sociology lecturer Greg Newbold said the initiative was probably not a starter because of practical problems. "There is a lack of appropriate people in New Zealand's prisons," he said. Well, that I can agree for the specialized dog training, but not the day-to-day dog training

"You'd have to hand-pick your trainers. You might get one or two dogs out of it. "The dog might get out into the real world and be completely bamboozled."