The Corrections Minister has launched a Puppies in Prison programme which she says will reduce re-offending and lead to increased number of dogs trained to help people living with disabilities.
The programme is being undertaken in partnership with the Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust.
It will see a number of lowsecurity prisoners provide full time training for mobility dogs, which will then go on to assist people living with disabilities.
Anne Tolley launched the programme at at Spring Hill Corrections Facility.
She said it was the first of its kind in a male prison and follows the success of a similar programme running at Auckland Women's Prison since 2009.
