November 3, 2009

(ZT Pet News Photo by Kris O'Donnell)

ST. CLOUD, Fla. -- With a sour economy and a shrinking budget, one Central Florida county has come up with a novel way to keep its animal shelter open and running smoothly.

That’s because Osceola County has looked to its jail for help.

“Without them, it would almost be impossible,” Assistant Veterinary Technician Vickie Dryer said. “They have assisted us in so many areas we couldn’t do alone.”

The inmates work all day at Osceola County Animal Control, doing everything from cleaning cages to refilling water bowls.

“It makes me feel good to give them clean water and food every day,” inmate Michael Betancourt said.

“The biggest thing is taking care of the animals, the cleaning, also exercising them, giving them a lot of human companionship and contact,” Dryer said.

The program has been in operation since the end of August after the county made massive budget cuts, including at animal control. Without the help of the inmates the shelter might have closed.

“By doing this, we have been able to not only get the inmates occupied into something positive but at the same time make sure that the animals are getting the treatment that they deserve,” Osceola County Chairman John Quinones said.

The program is voluntary and all the inmates are non-violent offenders. For every 30 days they serve, they get five days taken off their sentences. In addition, they’re happy to be outside and working with the animals.

“It’s been a real good experience,” inmate Benjamin Stallman said. “I’ll wake up at 4 a.m. and want to come out here and clean up after the dogs. I mean, they’re all sweetheart dogs.”

Osceola County residents are also supportive of the program.

“It gives them something to do and give back to the community,” said resident Carlos Hernandez. “And I’m sure the shelter can use all the help they can.”

As the economy continues to limp along, county officials say their program could become a trend across the country.

As we continue to see the economic situation the way it is that you are going to have to have creative methods in government to save money but at the same time provide a level of service the citizens deserve,” Quinones said.

In the end, proponents say the program works because it succeeds on many levels, not just economically.

“I would describe it as a win-win situation for the animals, for the inmates as well as our shelter and continue to be a service to the public,” Dryer said.

Osceola county officials say the county is saving one hundred thousand dollars a year with the program and they plan to continue it indefinitely.

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