County highlights Ironwood prison foster program as a way to reduce shelter crowding

Riverside County's Department of Animal Services used the board's meeting on March 10 to showcase a new foster-and-adopt collaboration with Ironwood State Penitentiary that staff say is easing shelter crowding and preparing long-stay dogs for adoption.

Jackie Sharp, introducing the Ironwood Foster Program, said the county began placements at Ironwood in December and has since moved multiple groups of shelter dogs to the penitentiary for training and handling by incarcerated persons and staff. "Our first dogs went to the prison December 5," Sharp said, and presenters reported 13 adoptions since the program began; the county said it plans to scale the program toward 80 dogs and hold public meet-and-greets at the penitentiary in Blythe.

Sharp and Dalen, who introduced Emily — a blind and deaf shelter dog present at the meeting — said handlers at Ironwood help with crate training, leash skills and socialization so dogs present better at adoption events. "All adoptions are free," Sharp added and noted the department created a dedicated Ironwood web page and wish list for supplies curated by deputies working with the program.

Supervisors praised the effort and raised questions about whether dogs returned to county shelters if not adopted, and how the county plans to publicize successes to counter criticism that the county has a high shelter euthanasia rate. Supervisor Medina asked about average stays and media strategy; staff said many dogs remain at the penitentiary until adopted and that the department will share data and media plans. County leaders emphasized the program was initiated after Ironwood staff approached the department to provide space and handlers.

The board acknowledged the program as one of several steps—alongside outreach events and the March Muttness free-adoption night on March 21—to increase live-release rates. Staff noted the county's fiscal-year-to-date live-release rate for cats and dogs is 80.37% and that the board's target is 90%.

What to watch next: upcoming public meet-and-greets at Ironwood, the March Muttness adoption event, and the department's published adoption metrics and media-outreach plan.