Springer Prison Inmates Provide Round-the-Clock Care to Shelter Puppies

Springer Correctional Center has integrated puppy care into its daily operations as the New Mexico Department of Corrections expanded its partnership with Espanola Humane. Ten approved inmates now provide round-the-clock care for litters that are not yet ready for permanent homes. This expansion brings the Fosters in the Pen program to the last of the state's eight prisons to feature such an initiative.

The program originated as a temporary measure at the state penitentiary during a black mold remediation at the shelter last year. Mattie Allen, director of communications for Espanola Humane, stated that the initial success led to the program becoming permanent. Espanola Humane officially expanded operations to Springer in August and delivered the fifth litter to the facility this week. The puppies remain at the prison for approximately two weeks before returning to the shelter.

Vanessa Moya is one of the ten inmates participating in the program. Moya is serving a sentence for vehicular homicide committed in 2018 while in active addiction. She recalled her initial surprise at the assignment. "I’m like, oh my God, who gets a puppy in prison?" Moya said. She described her entry into the program as a time when she felt broken and in a dark place.

Moya said she felt hopeless after being sentenced to 10 years in prison. "Even though we’re inmates, we still have a second chance at life to make a difference. We’re still human," she said. Kyle Chavez, another inmate puppy handler, said the program connects people at a low point with puppies that need care. Chavez noted that both the inmates and the animals are in a vulnerable state. "You’re at your bottom. These little guys too. They don’t have anyone to love them," Chavez said.

Warden Marianna Vigil said she had attempted to launch a dog program at Springer for several years. She said rehabilitation is the primary goal of the initiative. "I don’t want to see these women come back. I really don’t," Vigil said. Allen said the puppies benefit from the program because they receive consistent care. "They already have so many life skills and they’re highly adoptable when they come out of the program," Allen said.

Espanola Humane is currently seeking volunteer drivers to transport puppies between the shelter and Springer. The organization also requests donations of puppy pads and other supplies related to puppy care.