NEWS

August 17, 2007
Lawmakers want to return attack dogs to prisons

Two House Republicans want to re-enact a policy that allows prisons to use dogs on inmates who refuse to leave their cells.

Reps. Steve Lukan and Clel Baudler sent a letter to Gov. Chet Culver on Thursday, saying that prison officials have been at a disadvantage since the state last fall banned them from using trained attack dogs to control inmates, except in life-threatening situations.

The state's decision followed a report that listed Iowa among five state prison systems that used the strategy, prompting criticism from human rights groups.

"As governor of our state, we are insisting that you restore this safety measure to ensure the employees of our facilities are protected and safe," the lawmakers wrote. "It is imperative that as elected officials we support our correctional officers over the rights of dangerous, convicted inmates."

The report that prompted the policy change was issued last October by Human Rights Watch, an independent New York-based group. According to the report, Iowa prisons used dogs in 63 cases between March 2005 and March 2006, the largest number among the five states. In five incidents, the dog was sent into a cell and bit a prisoner, the report said.

State officials banned the practice one day after the report was released. Lukan, of New Vienna, and Baudler, of Greenfield, said the American Civil Liberties Union had threatened to file a lawsuit if the practice did not stop.

The lawmakers — members of the House Public Safety Committee — have also asked Culver to pressure the federal government to take quicker action against illegal immigrants in state prisons.

"If they are unwilling, we are asking you to join us in supporting legislation that will form an illegal immigration task force within the Department of Corrections," the lawmakers wrote.

Under their proposal, if federal officials don't respond to an illegal immigrant in the Iowa prison system within 30 days, then the state task force would "escort the illegal aliens back to Mexico."

Culver, who was away at an all-day retreat Thursday, could not be reached for comment. A spokesman, Brad Anderson, said the governor will review the letter and discuss it with Department of Corrections Director John Baldwin.

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