Pulaski State Prison Inmates Rescue Abused Horses

HAWKINSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — It may look like just another work detail, but it’s more than that for some of the women at Pulaski State Prison.

“It actually puts my life in a new perspective, I have my priorities straight now,” said inmate Pamela Jones.

Through the Equine Rescue Program women like Jones receive animal healthcare training, while nursing beaten and battered horses back to health.

“We have to give them love and care so it’s kind of like our children. Some of us have been removed from our children for a while, this gives us the opportunity to get back into that mother mode,” Jones said.

The program also gets the inmates back inside a classroom.

“The students are taught all the facets of medicines, small and large, from handling to behavior to nutrition to cardiology, neurology,” said instructor Dr. Carrie Unger of Belle Isle Animal Hospital.

The curriculum is broken down into small and large animal sections, covering different aspects of veterinary medicine.

Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Corey Cravey said, “The horses we pick up are abused or in poor condition…they’re usually in a bad situation and we’re trying to help them get in a better situation.”

According to Pulaski State Prison Warden Belinda Davis, it’s proven to be a win-win situation.

“We have not had any inmates involved in this program come back to prison,” said Davis.

Despite decisions that can’t be taken back, inmate Brittani Blase said the experience put her on the right track.

“I’ve lived a very selfish life and to finally give something back and to be proud of my accomplishments, that means something to me,” said Blase.

The horses are typically rehabilitated within two to three months and sold at auction. It’s rehabilitation on both sides and caring for those in desperate need of help. It’s a chance to heal, strengthen, and recover; not just for the horses.

The inmates will complete the program in a year and receive a veterinary assistant certificate through Central Georgia Technical College.

The Equine Rescue Program began in 2008. It is a partnership between Georgia’s Department of Corrections and the Department of Agriculture. The proceeds from the horse auctions go back into the program.