SAN MARCOS - A collaboration between the Hays County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, 483rd District Judge Tanner Neidhardt and PAWS Shelter is bringing a pilot program for individuals on probation to earn community service for time spent fostering animals.
This idea, said Neidhardt, came after he was discussing the need for foster families with Leslie Hutson, PAWS Shelter of Central Texas executive director. According to the PAWS website, the organization already works with the Kyle Correctional Center for the Cell Dog Program, which takes shelter dogs to be trained and cared for by approved inmates at the prison. Neidhardt discussed this program further, stating that it works because there are often two individuals inside of a cell that can take care of the dog together. This aspect differs from the Hays County Jail, which has several bunk beds together and is not ideal for the program; thus, the new project serves as an alternative.
The new program, titled Foster for Service, is in partnership with the Hays County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, all of which have expressed their support, with the intention of bringing responsibility to the individuals on probation, as well as giving the dogs a temporaiy home.
