Prison In Indiana Accepts Shelter Cats And They Change Prisoners
Pets have always been not only our companions but often even healers. The therapeutic power of cats and dogs have been known for years. These furry companions help us to reduce depression and anxiety, feel less lonely, elevate our mood, and even decrease blood pressure. However, one other aspect of pets’ ability to transform lives often gets overlooked – it’s their capability of helping prison inmates.
More info: Facebook | purrfectpals.org
In 2015 in the state of Indiana, Animal Protection League started a wonderful program in Pendleton correctional facility called F.O.R.W.A.R.D.
The idea behind this initiative is to take animals from a cat shelter and place them in the correctional facility so inmates could take care of them. The program quickly proved to be beneficial for both the adorable cats and inmates.
Many cats who end up at the shelter, often have a long history of abuse and mistreatment, thus leaving them unable to socialize with humans properly.
These felines lack trust in people and have a lower chance of being adopted. What they need is patient and loving care before they can find a forever home, and this behavior modification and trust gaining program provides it to them.
While the cats are being taken care of by prisoners who feed them, clean after them and groom them, the animals become more social and trusting towards humans.
However, cats are not the only ones who benefit from the program. Inmates get a wonderful opportunity to learn how to care for and take responsibility for a living creature.
“I’ve had offenders tell me when they got an animal, it was the first time they can remember they were allowing themselves to care about something, to love something,” said the director of APL, Maleah Stringer.
“It teaches them responsibility, how to interact in a group using non-violent methods to solve problems and gives them the unconditional love of a pet – something many of these inmates have never known,” the APL writes on their website.
Similar animal programs are widespread across the department of corrections. One of them is established in Monroe Correctional Complex-Special Offender Unit by the organization called Purrfect Pals.
The program has proved itself very successful.
“The MCKC Program has reduced offender idleness, taught offenders about responsibility and increased their self-esteem. Since the program’s inception, offenders have been motivated to enroll in school, obtain jobs, obey unit rules, and improve their hygiene so that they may become MCKC participants. The presence of animals on E Unit has added a new calmness to E Unit’s therapeutic milieu and strengthened its community spirit,” Purrfect Pals writes on their website.
However, one particular animal in prison program made people quite angry. After the release of Death Row 2018, which revolves around the inmates of Indiana State Prison, people took to social media to express their belief that people convicted for heinous crimes shouldn’t be allowed to keep cats in their cells. Many of the said that inmates couldn’t be trusted with pets.
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if the cats are loved and cared for properly, it's tons better than them sitting in a cage all day in a shelter. cats need love too. c:
Do the cats get taken out for playtime or outside time like the dogs sometimes do? The cats cages are just so small.
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Almost every one of these pics made me smile. But especially the one with the very smiley gentleman with the screaming orange cat. Love it.
Another guy is wearing a cats' hat on his head in the group photo :D
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"..people took to social media to express their belief that people convicted for heinous crimes shouldn’t be allowed to keep cats in their cells. Many of the said that inmates couldn’t be trusted with the pets."--well, their former owners weren't convicted felons but they abandoned their pets. being a felon doesn't mean one is bad to the core or evil through and through.
i agree! i know it might not be a perfect opinion, but I think most people have good in them. the people caring for these cats may have done bad things, but it's very possible that these animals can make life better for them and just make them a better person overall. the good in these people is often layered in bad things, making it hard to see, but it looks like these animals are helping it shine through.
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I recently heard a story about an inmate who killed (beat) a support dog that was given to him in a similar program...I have mixed feelings about this.
A horrible story, but I've heard similar stories about non-inmates being incredibly cruel to animals. It depends on the person. Giving people who are locked up sound like a productive idea, though of course the inmate should be thoroughly vetted.
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This is too friggin adorable! I work with shelter cats, and let me tell you, no matter how s****y I feel going in, those little floofs can always make me feel better. I can't even imagine how good it would feel for a prisoner to help a cat become more social and trusting. Beautiful idea.
I was wondering... once the inmates are released, do they have the option to adopt their feline friend? That'd be the most awesomest (I know it's grammatically wrong) thing if they did
I think this is a great idea, provided that only the most trustworthy prisoners are allowed to handle the cats, and everything is monitored well. I would never tar all prisoners with the same brush but there will undoubtedly be some prisoners that WOULD be a risk to the animals. Hopefully staff are able to adequately select prisoners and keep an eye out for any wrongdoing. If so, then the cats and inmates will all benefit greatly!
I agree but that makes it pretty much the same as non prisoners. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, they usually make sure you and your home are fit for a cat. Same deal probably happens with the inmates.
Load More Replies... This is precious and beautiful. Nothing better (I mean that literally) than for two things who haven't known love to find each other and form a bond. I can absolutely see it being life changing.
love has a tendency to bring out the best in people. (and cats)
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I've seen several shows about Indiana State's prison Cats! I was not at all concerned about the Cats being mistreated by their owners, in fact it was obvious that these guys truly Loved their Cats!! What I was worried about is another prisoner harming the Cats as payback to the owner! I could see that the loss of their Cat would be devastating for the owner and the whole Cat system at the prison!
One inmate got shanked because he spit soda on a cat being taken care of by another ethnic group. It was his own ethnic group that shanked him. They might fight each other to the death, even, but they don't touch the cats.
Load More Replies... Humans and cats go together like two peas in a pod. Best friends. Also keep in mind that this is in the United States where just about anyone can find themselves in prison for even the smallest of crimes. I’m sure some of those prisoners weren’t horrible people to begin with, just people down on their luck like the cats. Some of them are horrible people but not all. It’s not like the rest of the world here where only criminals go to prison. Anyone can go to prison in America.
Prisoner 138605 looks like such a sweet person! He has such kind eyes, I wonder what hes in for :(
Lots of people have two very distinct sides. Hopefully kitty brings out more of his good side.
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I remember reading an article where each inmate had a cat, and any harm done to their cats done by the other inmates was considered a heinous act. There was a inmate whose cat got spilled juice on. He beat the culprit to a pulp. They are cared more inside prison than in the streets. And gives both cats and humans a purpose.
And another thing, the prisoners are vetted before they are allowed to have a Cat! I saw the Indiana Prison go on lockdown which included the Cats (they are leashed within the cell with the owner)!
The picture of the man putting a duck costume on a cat is beyond adorable
I am 100% in favor of this. There's no question that animals are excellent "therapy" and can get into someone's heart the way a human cannot. However, as a sociology major I did have the (fleeting) question of how inmates are selected for the program. Those with sociopathic tendencies often exhibit cruelty to animals at some point in their childhood. As long as the inmates are properly vetted and the animals' safety is ensured, I think this program is a potential win-win!
Those on death row need redemption. The love of a pet may soften their hearts and contribute to that. These are kitties who were also on death row because they were considered unacceptable in some way. I say, if these kitties draw the heart to God, the source of redemption, let's have it! Maybe there is redemption for both inmate and kitty!
I used to work at this prison!!! People that are there can get a cat regardless of their charge, it depends on which unit they are in, and they all take really good care of their animals.
This seems nice but one wonders the problems that could arise if the inmates could get the cats to form a giant cat out of all the cats. Like a transformer if you will
Prison shouldn't just be a warehouse of humanity, it should be a place to restore and retrain. This is so heartwarming. A beautiful place to learn to love again, for both humans and cats.
I was looking at the men as well as at the cats. These men are obviously in prison because they have committed serious crimes yet, when they are handling the cats they all have lovely gentle smiles. Maybe these particular men are people who, had they received love, kindness and care in their earlier lives, may never have ended up in prison. Humanity too often doesn't look after its own.
As someone who is on the inside, I can assure you that the people who get to play with the cats are in L dorm, which means they have not screwed up inside the prison. And also if they are in there for a crime where the abuse of an animal is involved, they are not granted cat time
I think it's a good thing. Animals don't judge, they love unconditionally, and the guys have a living little creature who looks to them for food, care, and comfort. A good give and take situation.
i think that is a wonderful idea.they need to do this program at other prisons. They should start this program at mental health facility and other places. ive always liked cats, you have to earn it love.Most dogs, they give their love when you first see them.
I'd really like to know what happens to the inmates when they have to give up the cats to their fur-ever homes? Do they get another cat right away?
I feel like the prisoners would empathize with the wayward cats and see it as an extension of their own situation. They may not be able to get out but if they can help another creature to be rehabilitated and adopted out then maybe they see hope for themselves. Or at least prevent the cats from dealing with the same fate bc "society" or situational events created them (the cats) to be like this. Like "I can't help myself bc I chose to do this, but these cats didn't ask for this..." attitude. I hope I explained my point correctly.
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This is pretty dang wonderful. Just watched the movie MUSTANG, based on a program where wild horses are trained by prison inmates -- which involves humans gaining the trust of horses. There was a documentary on YouTube about prison inmates training shelter dogs to become assistance companions. There was a situation where a prisoner got into a scuffle and was taken out of the program for 30 days. I'm bawling just thinking about the scene when he reentered the program and the dog he worked with ran up to him, laid on his feet and howled with joy,
How progressive...this is a wonderful program for both inmates and homeless kitties!! Thanks to all involved.
Uh oh, don't let a Republican see this. They'll cut funding in a heartbeat.
Boy, Indiana is becoming a trendsetter. Wasn't there a township also in IN that took shelter donations for parking tickets?
The playground looks like cat heaven! Wish I could give my kitty that much...and all the playmates..
This is so perfect for all concerned. Fills so many needs, made me want to cry. I love it.
This is just wonderful. It gives the animals AND the inmates something to look forward to & the cats are being taken care of. This made me smile big time. Great job.
i love these programs. they're amazing for the animals and the inmates. they learn to solve issues without fights because they know if they mess up, their cat/dog goes to someone else. every prison should do this.
A wonderful program. The cat-prisoner ratio seems to heavily favor the cats -- which is okay with me.
so they have like, a cat room where the cats chill and sleep and eat and play with theese peoples - im with it- now i wouldn't mind going to a jail like that as much as bafore, though ;)
Everyone needs and deserves love. The pictures of the inmate with the cat dressed as a ducky illustrates that even big, tough guys can learn to be empathetic and vulnerable.
Shelters are overwhelmed most times. This would save so many more when shelters are at capacity.
As long as they make sure no one hurts the cats, this is awesome!!! It's a win win :)
My first reaction is, have any of the cats been harmed by the inmates. My second reaction is, these guys are never gonna leave. They may commit crimes just to get back in. 3 free meals a day, a bed, and cats. What life is better than that. Then my final comment is the top picture: The inmate with the glasses and grey cat. That has a look on it's face like OH HELL NO. Glad this program is working
I think that this is a wonderful and excellent decision made by those people who are respondable for the people in prison. If this helps for a better or even a good life after the sentence everyone is helped. Of course, there must be help from experts to introduce prisoners what the needs of these animals are. But all in all I can only congratulate for this decision. As an animal lover and in particular a cat lover and it makes me very happy to hear and read about this project which is probably not easy to handle but which results for all parties involved in a win-win situation. CONGRATULATION!!! Claire , Switzerland
Great programme it benefits both the cats and the inmates as both of them find love and trust again
I think it would be great if all prisons offered this same program. Everyone benefits from it. These prisoners are helping the cats become more social so they can find their forever homes and the cats are helping the prisoners to get in touch with a gentler side within themselves.
I think this is a great idea. In the western states they have wild horse programs that prisoners have gone through and have proven to work. There are other states that have done canines. Cats shouldn't be any different and it offers cats a place to stay and have attention until adopted. Of course I do not think inmates that have had animal abuse crimes in their past to be allowed to be in the program.
This is such a brilliant idea! You can see the happiness in everyone's faces!
The majority of prisoners in the US are non-violent offenders, this makes perfect sense. Kitties learn social skills, human receive comfort, love, floof, and a lesson in the power of nurturing.
you will always get the doubters but I think it is a great idea animals are healers and what great training for someone on how to treat others
People who have had a rough life help animals who have had a rough life and vice-versa. It is wonderful stories like these that reaffirm my shaken faith in the human race. Well done all of you!
As long as cats have a place to explore and feel safe they don't need to go outside. Cleaning their litter boxes, building towers does wonders for the humans too.
Animals bring the best out of people, abuse and apathy towards them the worst. "Until he extends the circle of his compassion all living things, man will not himself find peace." - Albert Schweitzer It is simple as that!!!!!!
A fantastic idea, I think it began with dogs, I could be wrong, I love all animals, I do know how much they have given me most of my life, stress, anxiety depression, all are helped by cats and dogs, even birds,etc.; pets in the prisons are better than medication keep up this wonderful program, some people can be negative, ignore them !!!
There is a high rate of psychopath and sociopaths in a prison environment. Inmates would need to be closely monitored while caring for animals. Remember, many of these men started life abusing animals and then moved on to humans which ended them in prison.
I'm pretty sure most of those inmates aren't murderers. Also, I don't think they would give animals to the more aggressive inmates.
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You DO realize that no inmate in prison for something as heinous as serial murder would be eligible for ANY rehab/enrichment program, right?
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if the cats are loved and cared for properly, it's tons better than them sitting in a cage all day in a shelter. cats need love too. c:
Do the cats get taken out for playtime or outside time like the dogs sometimes do? The cats cages are just so small.
Load More Replies... Almost every one of these pics made me smile. But especially the one with the very smiley gentleman with the screaming orange cat. Love it.
Another guy is wearing a cats' hat on his head in the group photo :D
Load More Replies... "..people took to social media to express their belief that people convicted for heinous crimes shouldn’t be allowed to keep cats in their cells. Many of the said that inmates couldn’t be trusted with the pets."--well, their former owners weren't convicted felons but they abandoned their pets. being a felon doesn't mean one is bad to the core or evil through and through.
i agree! i know it might not be a perfect opinion, but I think most people have good in them. the people caring for these cats may have done bad things, but it's very possible that these animals can make life better for them and just make them a better person overall. the good in these people is often layered in bad things, making it hard to see, but it looks like these animals are helping it shine through.
Load More Replies... I recently heard a story about an inmate who killed (beat) a support dog that was given to him in a similar program...I have mixed feelings about this.
A horrible story, but I've heard similar stories about non-inmates being incredibly cruel to animals. It depends on the person. Giving people who are locked up sound like a productive idea, though of course the inmate should be thoroughly vetted.
Load More Replies... This is too friggin adorable! I work with shelter cats, and let me tell you, no matter how s****y I feel going in, those little floofs can always make me feel better. I can't even imagine how good it would feel for a prisoner to help a cat become more social and trusting. Beautiful idea.
I was wondering... once the inmates are released, do they have the option to adopt their feline friend? That'd be the most awesomest (I know it's grammatically wrong) thing if they did
I think this is a great idea, provided that only the most trustworthy prisoners are allowed to handle the cats, and everything is monitored well. I would never tar all prisoners with the same brush but there will undoubtedly be some prisoners that WOULD be a risk to the animals. Hopefully staff are able to adequately select prisoners and keep an eye out for any wrongdoing. If so, then the cats and inmates will all benefit greatly!
I agree but that makes it pretty much the same as non prisoners. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, they usually make sure you and your home are fit for a cat. Same deal probably happens with the inmates.
Load More Replies... This is precious and beautiful. Nothing better (I mean that literally) than for two things who haven't known love to find each other and form a bond. I can absolutely see it being life changing.
love has a tendency to bring out the best in people. (and cats)
Load More Replies... I've seen several shows about Indiana State's prison Cats! I was not at all concerned about the Cats being mistreated by their owners, in fact it was obvious that these guys truly Loved their Cats!! What I was worried about is another prisoner harming the Cats as payback to the owner! I could see that the loss of their Cat would be devastating for the owner and the whole Cat system at the prison!
One inmate got shanked because he spit soda on a cat being taken care of by another ethnic group. It was his own ethnic group that shanked him. They might fight each other to the death, even, but they don't touch the cats.
Load More Replies... Humans and cats go together like two peas in a pod. Best friends. Also keep in mind that this is in the United States where just about anyone can find themselves in prison for even the smallest of crimes. I’m sure some of those prisoners weren’t horrible people to begin with, just people down on their luck like the cats. Some of them are horrible people but not all. It’s not like the rest of the world here where only criminals go to prison. Anyone can go to prison in America.
Prisoner 138605 looks like such a sweet person! He has such kind eyes, I wonder what hes in for :(
Lots of people have two very distinct sides. Hopefully kitty brings out more of his good side.
Load More Replies... I remember reading an article where each inmate had a cat, and any harm done to their cats done by the other inmates was considered a heinous act. There was a inmate whose cat got spilled juice on. He beat the culprit to a pulp. They are cared more inside prison than in the streets. And gives both cats and humans a purpose.
And another thing, the prisoners are vetted before they are allowed to have a Cat! I saw the Indiana Prison go on lockdown which included the Cats (they are leashed within the cell with the owner)!
The picture of the man putting a duck costume on a cat is beyond adorable
I am 100% in favor of this. There's no question that animals are excellent "therapy" and can get into someone's heart the way a human cannot. However, as a sociology major I did have the (fleeting) question of how inmates are selected for the program. Those with sociopathic tendencies often exhibit cruelty to animals at some point in their childhood. As long as the inmates are properly vetted and the animals' safety is ensured, I think this program is a potential win-win!
Those on death row need redemption. The love of a pet may soften their hearts and contribute to that. These are kitties who were also on death row because they were considered unacceptable in some way. I say, if these kitties draw the heart to God, the source of redemption, let's have it! Maybe there is redemption for both inmate and kitty!
I used to work at this prison!!! People that are there can get a cat regardless of their charge, it depends on which unit they are in, and they all take really good care of their animals.
This seems nice but one wonders the problems that could arise if the inmates could get the cats to form a giant cat out of all the cats. Like a transformer if you will
Prison shouldn't just be a warehouse of humanity, it should be a place to restore and retrain. This is so heartwarming. A beautiful place to learn to love again, for both humans and cats.
I was looking at the men as well as at the cats. These men are obviously in prison because they have committed serious crimes yet, when they are handling the cats they all have lovely gentle smiles. Maybe these particular men are people who, had they received love, kindness and care in their earlier lives, may never have ended up in prison. Humanity too often doesn't look after its own.
As someone who is on the inside, I can assure you that the people who get to play with the cats are in L dorm, which means they have not screwed up inside the prison. And also if they are in there for a crime where the abuse of an animal is involved, they are not granted cat time
I think it's a good thing. Animals don't judge, they love unconditionally, and the guys have a living little creature who looks to them for food, care, and comfort. A good give and take situation.
i think that is a wonderful idea.they need to do this program at other prisons. They should start this program at mental health facility and other places. ive always liked cats, you have to earn it love.Most dogs, they give their love when you first see them.
I'd really like to know what happens to the inmates when they have to give up the cats to their fur-ever homes? Do they get another cat right away?
I feel like the prisoners would empathize with the wayward cats and see it as an extension of their own situation. They may not be able to get out but if they can help another creature to be rehabilitated and adopted out then maybe they see hope for themselves. Or at least prevent the cats from dealing with the same fate bc "society" or situational events created them (the cats) to be like this. Like "I can't help myself bc I chose to do this, but these cats didn't ask for this..." attitude. I hope I explained my point correctly.
Load More Replies... This is pretty dang wonderful. Just watched the movie MUSTANG, based on a program where wild horses are trained by prison inmates -- which involves humans gaining the trust of horses. There was a documentary on YouTube about prison inmates training shelter dogs to become assistance companions. There was a situation where a prisoner got into a scuffle and was taken out of the program for 30 days. I'm bawling just thinking about the scene when he reentered the program and the dog he worked with ran up to him, laid on his feet and howled with joy,
How progressive...this is a wonderful program for both inmates and homeless kitties!! Thanks to all involved.
Uh oh, don't let a Republican see this. They'll cut funding in a heartbeat.
Boy, Indiana is becoming a trendsetter. Wasn't there a township also in IN that took shelter donations for parking tickets?
The playground looks like cat heaven! Wish I could give my kitty that much...and all the playmates..
This is so perfect for all concerned. Fills so many needs, made me want to cry. I love it.
This is just wonderful. It gives the animals AND the inmates something to look forward to & the cats are being taken care of. This made me smile big time. Great job.
i love these programs. they're amazing for the animals and the inmates. they learn to solve issues without fights because they know if they mess up, their cat/dog goes to someone else. every prison should do this.
A wonderful program. The cat-prisoner ratio seems to heavily favor the cats -- which is okay with me.
so they have like, a cat room where the cats chill and sleep and eat and play with theese peoples - im with it- now i wouldn't mind going to a jail like that as much as bafore, though ;)
Everyone needs and deserves love. The pictures of the inmate with the cat dressed as a ducky illustrates that even big, tough guys can learn to be empathetic and vulnerable.
Shelters are overwhelmed most times. This would save so many more when shelters are at capacity.
As long as they make sure no one hurts the cats, this is awesome!!! It's a win win :)
My first reaction is, have any of the cats been harmed by the inmates. My second reaction is, these guys are never gonna leave. They may commit crimes just to get back in. 3 free meals a day, a bed, and cats. What life is better than that. Then my final comment is the top picture: The inmate with the glasses and grey cat. That has a look on it's face like OH HELL NO. Glad this program is working
I think that this is a wonderful and excellent decision made by those people who are respondable for the people in prison. If this helps for a better or even a good life after the sentence everyone is helped. Of course, there must be help from experts to introduce prisoners what the needs of these animals are. But all in all I can only congratulate for this decision. As an animal lover and in particular a cat lover and it makes me very happy to hear and read about this project which is probably not easy to handle but which results for all parties involved in a win-win situation. CONGRATULATION!!! Claire , Switzerland
Great programme it benefits both the cats and the inmates as both of them find love and trust again
I think it would be great if all prisons offered this same program. Everyone benefits from it. These prisoners are helping the cats become more social so they can find their forever homes and the cats are helping the prisoners to get in touch with a gentler side within themselves.
I think this is a great idea. In the western states they have wild horse programs that prisoners have gone through and have proven to work. There are other states that have done canines. Cats shouldn't be any different and it offers cats a place to stay and have attention until adopted. Of course I do not think inmates that have had animal abuse crimes in their past to be allowed to be in the program.
This is such a brilliant idea! You can see the happiness in everyone's faces!
The majority of prisoners in the US are non-violent offenders, this makes perfect sense. Kitties learn social skills, human receive comfort, love, floof, and a lesson in the power of nurturing.
you will always get the doubters but I think it is a great idea animals are healers and what great training for someone on how to treat others
People who have had a rough life help animals who have had a rough life and vice-versa. It is wonderful stories like these that reaffirm my shaken faith in the human race. Well done all of you!
As long as cats have a place to explore and feel safe they don't need to go outside. Cleaning their litter boxes, building towers does wonders for the humans too.
Animals bring the best out of people, abuse and apathy towards them the worst. "Until he extends the circle of his compassion all living things, man will not himself find peace." - Albert Schweitzer It is simple as that!!!!!!
A fantastic idea, I think it began with dogs, I could be wrong, I love all animals, I do know how much they have given me most of my life, stress, anxiety depression, all are helped by cats and dogs, even birds,etc.; pets in the prisons are better than medication keep up this wonderful program, some people can be negative, ignore them !!!
There is a high rate of psychopath and sociopaths in a prison environment. Inmates would need to be closely monitored while caring for animals. Remember, many of these men started life abusing animals and then moved on to humans which ended them in prison.
I'm pretty sure most of those inmates aren't murderers. Also, I don't think they would give animals to the more aggressive inmates.
Load More Replies... You DO realize that no inmate in prison for something as heinous as serial murder would be eligible for ANY rehab/enrichment program, right?
Load More Replies... 
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