Fifth litter arrives at Springer prison as dog program expands
Ten inmates at the New Mexico women's facility now care for puppies from Espanola Humane, a role that began as a temporary fix for mold issues last year.
By Austin Reed ·
The New Mexico Department of Corrections has extended its partnership with Espanola Humane to house unadoptable puppies at the Springer Correctional Center. This expansion moves the Fosters in the Pen program to a second state prison.
Espanola Humane dropped off the fifth litter of puppies at Springer this week. The animals remain at the facility for approximately two weeks. During that period, a specific unit of inmates provides round-the-clock care.
The program initially began as an emergency measure at the state penitentiary. That facility was undergoing remediation for black mold last year. Mattie Allen, director of communications for Espanola Humane, stated the trial proved effective. "It was so successful that it became a permanent program," Allen said.
Ten inmates are currently approved to participate in the Springer cohort. Vanessa Moya is one of the participants. She is serving a sentence for vehicular homicide. Moya caused a fatal crash in 2018 while in active addiction. The victim was a father of two. Moya described the initial reaction to the assignment. "I'm like, oh my God, who gets a puppy in prison?" Moya said. She added that the experience offers a sense of renewal. "Even though we're inmates, we still have a second chance at life to make a difference. We're still human," Moya said.
Kyle Chavez, another inmate handler, noted the mutual benefit of the arrangement. "You're lost. You don't have anything. You have you're at your bottom. These little guys too. They don't have they don't have anyone to love them. And it's it's amazing to be able to you know share that love with them," Chavez said.
Warden Marianna Vigil said she attempted to start a dog program at Springer for years. The facility was the last of New Mexico's eight prisons to implement such a program. Vigil focused on the long-term goal of reducing recidivism. "Rehabilitation is like number one. You you gotta I don't want to see these women come back. I really don't," Vigil said.
Allen said the puppies gain essential life skills while at the prison. They are described as highly adoptable upon completion of the program. Espanola Humane is seeking volunteer drivers to transport the animals between locations. The shelter also requests donations of puppy pads and related supplies.
