Proposed

Dogs and cats in prisons.

We keep hearing about the problem of stray and unwanted pets. Dogs, Cats left beside roads because owners don't want them or can't afford them.

Jane Doe has a female dog that is pregnant. Now a litter of puppies needs food and care but with two small children and limited income, the cost exceeds the budget. Where do the little furry friends go?

If Jane is lucky there may be space at a local shelter. But that takes a LOT of luck.  Many times these poor pets are just driven out into the country and dropped off in the hopes some will wander into a loving family.

Then there's the issue of vet bills. The cost to neuter pets is not always in the budget. There are some areas with free spay and neuter programs to help prevent the birth of more of these cute fur balls

America has been on a horrible incarceration binge for decades. We lead the world in locking more people up longer and for often minor non-violent offenses.

We can't fix the justice system today but we can try to turn a few lemons into lemon aid.

Pets have been in prisons before with good outcomes for both the pets and the prisoners. It works.

• Build kennels in prisons
• Partner with local shelters.
• Provide education to teach inmates skills as Veterinarian technicians.
  Make services available to low income owners.
• Spay and neuter and take care while families can be found.

Like the idea? Call your local shelters, humane society etc. Call your prison administrations. Get them talking.

Call your local state legislators about some funding.