Inmates To Set Up, Run Feliciana Animal Shelter

Dixon Correctional Institute will operate an animal shelter for East Feliciana Parish.

Warden Steve Rader said the Humane Society of the United States awarded DCI $600,000 to build animal shelters after the prison sheltered animals separated from their owners during hurricanes Katrina and Gustav.

Rader told the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury Monday that DCI will have two shelters: one for temporary use after natural disasters and another to take in unwanted dogs and cats that parish law enforcement agencies collect.

The warden said prison inmates will care for the animals but the prison will not pick up dogs and cats running loose in the parish.

The Advocate reports East Feliciana Parish does not have a government-run animal shelter.