There has been an increase in the collaboration between animal shelters and correctional facilities over the years in the world, whereas some European countries are now slowly developing similar programmes. The Master’s thesis focuses on the history of prison dog programmes in correctional facilities. Furthermore, several different programmes and their characteristics are presented. Some focus has also been put on correctional facilities in Slovenia and current state of homeless dogs and shelters. The Master’s thesis presents advantages and disadvantages of the programme and focuses on good practise examples. Last but not least, the overview of researches on the effects of such programmes is also described. Qualitative research methodology was applied in the empirical part. A semi-structured interview was used to gather information in two phases. The first phase presents different programmes focusing on prison-based animal programmes abroad. The second phase includes an overview of the existing prison-based animal programmes in Slovenia. The empirical part also includes the analysis of the implementation of foreign prison-based animal programmes in Slovenia. The findings show that such programmes have great advantages not only for the community, but also for the convicts and the dogs. Correctional facilities in Slovenia offer opportunities to implement prison-based animal programmes. Institutions, such as the correctional facility in Dob, the open division Rogoza (as part of the correctional facility in Maribor), the open division in Ig (as part of the correctional facility in Ljubljana) have appropriate infrastructure for the implementation of such programme, whereas other facilities would need greater financial contributions due to inappropriate infrastructure. With time, such programmes could be self-handling. Challenges in both, the establishment and the implementation of such programmes lie in the organisation. The participants need detailed education about the programme, demanding documentation has to be filled in, cooperation amongst institutions and experts needs to be established and house rules need to be adjusted accordingly. The challenge may also lie in the conditions of human resources and in the potential increase of workload. The establishment of prison-based animal programmes includes proper education of those working with the dogs on the one hand and those external experts working with imprisoned individuals on the other hand. It is important to choose responsible imprisoned individuals and characteristically suitable dogs. The programme also has a significant role in the collaboration amongst the correctional facilities, external institutions and the community. The rearing dogs programme in correctional facilities in Slovenia would contribute to essential innovations in working with users. Additionally, it would relieve overcrowded dog shelters in Slovenia.
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