In this prison in the state of Indiana, inmates care for abandoned cats that have suffered trauma, healing each other.
Un prison really particular that of Pendleton Correctional Facility in the state of Indiana because here, in addition to the inmates, they are welcomed abandoned cats. The idea came from the Animal Protection League, which in 2015 decided to start the FORWARD program involving this prison.
The goal is bring prisoners closer to cats encouraging them to care for them, which has proved beneficial for both animals and prisoners. On the one hand, abandoned cats, which have often suffered various traumas and mistreatments and are therefore suspicious and not very inclined to socialization, learn to let themselves be loved; on the other hand, inmates learn to take care of someone, taking responsibility for them, receiving something special in return, unconditional love, which they are not always used to:
"Inmates learn the concept of responsibility, to interact in a group using non-violent methods to solve problems and receive the unconditional love of a pet, something that many of these inmates have never known."
In fact, several similar programs have been launched in the United States, including the one promoted by the Purrfect Pals organization in the Monroe Correctional Complex-Special Offender Unit, where further benefits were found.
Less idleness in prisoners, improved self-esteem, greater respect for the rules of coexistence, greater hygiene. And as for cats, finally loved and respected, there was a clear improvement in their mood, to the benefit of any future adoptions:
“The MCKC program has reduced inmates' idleness, taught them what responsibility is and raised their self-esteem. Since the beginning of the program, the inmates have enrolled in school courses, have started work, obey the rules of coexistence and have improved their hygiene in order to participate in the initiative. The presence of animals brought serenity and strengthened the team spirit. "
In short, the idea of cats in prison seems to work for both parties involved, it would be interesting to experiment with it here too.
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Photo Credit: Facebook/inapl.org/purrfectpals.org
