IDAHO TAXPAYERS PAYING FOR PRISON DOG PROGRAM - DONATIONS TO MERIDIAN CANINE RESCUE GOING TO INMATE 'VOLUNTEERS'?
Around October, 2022 - possibly even before that, the Meridian Canine Rescue [www.meridiancaninerescue.org] (MCR) took over the "dog program" at the Idaho State Correctional Center (ISCC), a program previously operated by the Idaho Humane Society. With the takeover, and some questionable activities associated with the program (and inmates participating in same) several emails sent to MCR staff have gone unanswered.
Almost everyone wants to see a prison dog program succeed, giving unwanted or homeless dogs opportunities to become socialized, receive medical care, exercise, basic training and ultimately a good home in the community where they can live the dog's life. What most everyone does NOT want to see is undue [and dangerous] favoritism, lack of (prison) security, misuse of funds - especially funds which have been donated by the public - abuse of animals or violations of laws in the effort to home these animals (the dogs, not the prisoners).
Prisoners who have certain physical disabilities (such as epilepsy or other issues which require assignment to lower bunks) are precluded from participating in the dog program at the ISCC, even where the disability does not interfere with the ability to perform the duties required in the training of the canines. This violates the Americans With Disabilities Act, and places not only the MDR, but the ISCC/IDOC in violation of federal law. Subject then to litigation, both entities could face huge fines and other consequences which would outweigh any benefits of the program itself.
Although IDOC prisoners are limited to one (1) prison job (inmate dog handlers at the ISCC are paid for their "volunteerism"), some such inmates have other paying prison jobs on top of their dog handling duties. These inmates usually hold the full-time, top paying prison jobs, yet they are also paid for their dog handling duties. Not only does this unjustly enrich the inmate, it removes opportunities from other prisoners to work due to the lack of available jobs in the facility.
Inmate dog handlers at the ISCC are also provided special privileges, over and above privileges earned by other prisoners (except for maybe American Legion associated inmates). ISCC dog handlers are provided special T-shirts and sweatshirts bearing the words "Idaho Inmate Dog Alliance Program" (some made to appear to be feminine attire) and allowed to wear them throughout the facility. These inmates are also provided popcorn/movie nights. Again, the source of the funds is still in question, though facility staff deny the funds come from the state.
On the other hand, the money being paid directly to these inmate 'volunteers' come is well known... your tax dollars. While it is assumed the MCR pays for supplies for the dogs - supplies such as food, medication, dog beds, toys, etc. - the state has assumed responsibility for laundry services, officer time, photocopies, laptops, MCR staff training and other activities that detract from security, and cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars per year.
In an effort to give the MCR a voice in this post, I did email them - twice (on 10/29/23, with the same email resent on 11/22/23) - yet I've received no response. The email asked basic questions based on MCR's stated core values and transparency statement, ("open and honestly representing ourselves and our organization to others").
Whether or not one believes in the need for the dog program at the ISCC or any other IDOC facility, the fact there are so many unknowns surrounding the funding of the program is disturbing and certainly warrants further looking into.
From some perspectives, the refusal of the MCR to answer even basic questions regarding the prison dog program might seem that the MCR is hiding something. From another perspective, one may assume MCR has determined the questions don't warrant or deserve an answer. In either case, whether it is your tax dollars, or funds donated to the MCR which are paying for inmates to 'volunteer' for the dog program, the public has the right to know.
Below is a copy of the latest unanswered email sent to MCR regarding this matter.
######
Dear MCR Staff:
I have sent you 2 emails (10/29/23 and resent the same one on 11/22/23) regarding the EPIC (dog) program at the ISCC. To date, you have not responded to either.
I asked the questions of MCR within the emails in preparation of the writing of an article/post for my website/blog [idahoprisonblog.org]. In absence of any response or reply from MCR I can only assume facts that are obvious from direct observation, communications with others familiar with the program and logical inferences.
As always, I try to be fair and truthful with any reporting I may do via my posts, and I want to give you/your organization the opportunity to provide information which might refute or confirm facts that I believe have been established by other means. As of this date, I have written (though not yet published) an article surrounding issues with the EPIC program at the ISCC.
I again invite any responses to my previous questions as well as any other statements/insight you might want to provide regarding your organization and/or the EPIC (dog) program at the ISCC that you would like to be considered for inclusion in the published version article.
If I can provide additional information, please contact me at the address below.
Best regards,
Dale Shackelford
daleshackelford1@gmail.com
_________
News and opinions about the inside, from the inside. Subscribe now - it's FREE! If you'd like to be emailed a link to new postings on this site, send an email to daleshackelford1@gmail.com with the Subject: Keep Me in the Loop!
We don't sell or share our subscriber data with anyone, and all articles may be reprinted and shared without further permission (just tell 'em where you saw it!)