Justice for All

In 2012, the Nova Scotia SPCA in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice launched an initiative aimed at saving the lives of dogs and people. This initiative is the first of its kind in Nova Scotia and a unique approach to using animals to provide therapy. 

Working On Our Future, WOOF, will see offenders and officers offsetting labour strain through volunteer programs and a new canine therapy program to assist both dogs and offenders mutually achieve goals of skill development and socialization. This program will help dogs with behavioral challenges become more adoptable and offenders develop skills to be more productive in society. As a result, adoption revenues will increase and labour strains devoted to training and animal care will be eased.

William Thompson, an inmate at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility told the Chronicle Herald, "To have the opportunity to work with the SPCA and learn some animal-related work skills is something I greatly look forward to. It also keeps me motivated to be a model inmate." 

When the 2013 Regional Conference Tour stops in Halifax on 18 April, Captain John Landry and trainer Amy MacRae will present the WOOF concept during the Regional Innovation Showcase. This initiative may be a candidate for a 2013 Summit Award. 

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