Join Deputy District Attorney Jill Hollander and Animal Legal Defense Fund Managing Attorney David B. Rosengard for a discussion of programs that pair defendants (either via diversion or as part of a sentence) with high euthanasia-risk animals in need of socialization and behavioral support.
We will examine the penological goals these programs prioritize, they ways they safeguard animal interests, and their impact in the broader community. This presentation will additionally walk through Fulton County, Georgia’s Canine Cellmates program as a case study. The program prevents men who have been charged or convicted of crimes from experiencing the myriad traumatic life disruptions and setbacks incarceration causes because courts can offer participation in Canine Cellmates as a diversion program or incarceration alternative. Successful completion of Canine Cellmates also allows participants the ability to have charges dismissed or eligible convictions expunged.
For this reason, the program not only saves Fulton County financial resources associated with court and incarceration costs, but it also saves the county financial resources successful participants might otherwise need, had they not learned the foundational skills Canine Cellmates provides. Furthermore, the program’s human graduates experience family restoration, increased employability, and low recidivism rates. These graduates become model citizens for teaching compassion to other humans and animals, which promotes the vitality of a strong community within a One Health-oriented ecosystem.
This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit. Please refer to your NACA membership portal for current CEU submission process. Current NACA Members who attend the live presentation or watch the recording will be able to download a jointly issued attendance certificate that includes the National Animal Care & Control Association logo. Visit the NACA training page for a complete list of future trainings.
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