Dogs to help inmates return to societyYoung beagles will play an important role in a pilot project for dog-assisted therapy that the Justice Ministry has organised to help inmates ease their depression and anxiety by raising and bonding with dogs. (Photo courtesy of Justice Ministry)The Justice Ministry will allow inmates in four prisons to raise dogs, as part of a pilot project aimed at reducing anxiety, depression and other antisocial behaviour among convicts. The department is working with animal associations and shelters to seek out dogs for the project, the minister said. Inmates will also be briefed by a veterinarian on how to handle a dog and look after it. If the project is well received, it will be expanded to other correctional facilities in the country, the minister said.
