New program helping furry friends and local inmates

BOONE COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) – Cute and cuddly kittens are part of a new program to help inmates and cats from the Humane Society of Boone County.

“Cuffs and Collars” is a joint project between the sheriff’s department and the humane society were cats will be paired up with an inmate. Jail leaders say the program helps both the cats and the inmates.

The cats become more socialized and the inmates are able to make a positive impact after having made some bad choices in their lives previously.

“Animals like me, and I like animals. I have my own court struggles or my everyday life that I think about but when I’m with these cats, I don’t think about that stuff. But, at the same time, whatever I do for them, I’m doing something for me as well,” said Aaron Mcnutt a inmate at the jail.

Just four cats and four inmates are involved right now, but officials hope to expand the program soon.