Memories of the Vaughn's

Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars
a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs.  Sheriff Joe
offered to take the department over, and the County
Supervisors said okay.

The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by
prisoners. They feed and care for the strays.  Every
animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily.

He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition
and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who'd
like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs
off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and
had them place in dog shows

The best part?  His budget for the entire department is
now under $3 million Teresa and I adopted a Weimeraner
from a Maricopa County shelter two years ago. He was
neutered, and current on all shots, in great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day we got him.
Cost us $78.

The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour
for working, but most would work for free, just to be
out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is
for utilities, building maintenance, etc.  He pays the
prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals.