Lake Co. jail inmates volunteering to care for dogs at shelter

The pit bull puppies couldn't contain their excitement. They were the center of attention, after all.

Yipping, yapping and jumping, the two-month old pups were getting hugs and kisses from a couple of young women who showered affection on the formerly abused dogs.

The pair are the first volunteers in a new cooperative program between the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the county's animal control facility.

The agencies have teamed up to have Lake County jail inmates feed, clean and play with the animals housed at the pound near Grayslake. Officials announced the program Tuesday.

"This is a win-win situation for everyone involved," said Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran. "These dogs are in desperate need of socialization. The inmates are providing that. In turn, the dogs show unconditional love to the inmates. Both are blessed in the process."

Curran said the idea came from the close working relationship between his office and animal control. It's common for sheriff's deputies to be called to the scene where animals have been abused or neglected.

"We're always brainstorming ways to partner between our agencies," he said.

A rotation of inmates will serve once a week for at least a half a day. The main task is to give love and attention to the dogs and cats, along with other tasks.

Curran said the service is voluntary and not part of their sentences. But he did say there are some restrictions on which inmates qualify for the program.

"There can be no pending cases against them, no history of violent crime and no orders of protection against them," Curran said. "These are sentenced individuals, not those awaiting trial."

Inmates Amber Lacour, 23 of Fox Lake and Krya Jones, 18 of Waukegan were the first volunteers in the new program. They said the experience was rewarding and felt like they were making a difference.

"I really love animals," Lacour said. "My heart goes out to them, especially the ones that are abused. I think people who abuse animals should go to jail. I'm glad to be able to help in some way."

Lacour, who is serving a monthlong sentence for retail theft, said she wants more of the experience after she's released. "I would really like to volunteer at a shelter once I get out of here," she said.

The women were working with 10 pit bull puppies that were seized from a Round Lake Park home last month. The dogs were living in filthy, flea-infested conditions when they were picked up.

Animal Control director Len Hackl said having the inmates playing and interacting with the dogs will make the puppies better candidates for adoption. Animal control works with rescue groups Save-A-Pet and Orphans of the Storm in the adoption process.

"These pups are in heaven right now. This is what they really need," Hackl said. "The more socialization they receive, the better their chances of being adopted," he said.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Video</h2> <ul class="video"> <li><a href="/multimedia/?category=9&type=video&item=389">Clips of Lake Co. jail inmates caring for dogs at the animal control facility </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>