Gwinnett Starting Second 'Jail Dogs' Unit

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- Twice as many dogs are about to get a second chance thanks to a program at Gwinnett County Jail.

The Gwinnett sheriff's office announced Thursday that plans are underway to add a second "Jail Dogs" unit at the jail as part of Operation Second Chance.

Started by Sheriff Butch Conway in 2010, Operation Second Chance pairs dogs from the Gwinnett Animal Shelter with non-violent inmates at the county jail.

The inmates care for and train the dogs, helping get them ready to be adopted into "forever homes."

Volunteer trainers, groomers and other animal experts visit the unit regularly to help with the dogs and teach the inmates how to properly care for them.

“I hope the positive reinforcement training techniques they learned at the jail and the patience required to train abused and neglected animals will help them become better citizens,” Conway said in a news release.

READ: After 10 Months, Rogue Returns To Her Jail Dog Friends

To date, more than 300 dogs who were part of Operation Second Chance have been rescued. In 2013, cats were added to the program as well, and 40 have been saved so far.

In the news release, Conway said the program is being expanded after feedback from Gwinnett County citizens.

Grand jury members, who are tasked with inspecting the county jail, have praised the program and suggested it be expanded, he said.

"I cannot thank our program supporters enough for their encouragement," Conway said. "We couldn’t do it without them."

Operation Second Chance is supported by volunteers and donations, not tax dollars. To learn more about the program, visit JailDogs.org. You can also follow the program on Facebook.

(Photo courtesy Dana Louise Photography, via Gwinnett County Sheriff's office)