MSCO Mash Unit allows inmates to help abused animals

The MSCO MASH Unit stands for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office’s Animal Safe Haven. This special unit provides care, feeding, and shelter for “evidence” animals that have suffered in abuse and neglect cases. The MASH unit heals and rehabilitates neglected and abused animals, nurtures them back to health, and adopts them out to loving, forever homes. MASH houses animals seized during MCSO investigations and helps inmates to learn work and life skills, while developing empathy, purpose, and compassion.

Terrell Sheline, Unit Supervisor at the MCSO Animal Safe Haven Unit, and Lulu, a Boxer/Bull Terrier Mix from the MCSO MASH Unit, joined “Arizona Horizon” to speak more about this fur-friendly program.

“We take in abused, neglected animals as live evidence in court cases,” Sheline said. “While the cases are going on, we hold them and rehabilitate them until it’s time for the court to decide.”

Over time, the program expanded to involve inmates in the rehabilitation process. Female inmates typically care for dogs and cats, while male inmates work with livestock such as horses and goats.

“It’s a program that gives inmates hands-on skills for employment once they leave custody,” Sheline said.

The benefits go both ways. As inmates nurse animals back to health, they often find healing themselves.

“Most of them come from broken homes or have struggled with addiction,” Sheline explained. “While they’re taking care of the animals, they learn self-respect and how to take care of themselves.”

One of those animals is Lulu, a playful and energetic Boxer-Bull Terrier mix who joined the MASH unit after her owner passed away in Sun City. With no next of kin able to care for her, Lulu was signed over to the unit. Inmates and animal care technicians worked together to help her adjust, providing vaccinations, grooming, and socialization.

The MASH program operates through a careful vetting process to ensure both safety and success. Inmates must apply and interview for the opportunity. It is one of the only jobs in the Maricopa County jail system that requires an interview.

“We review their charges and backgrounds,” Sheline said. “We don’t allow extremely violent offenders, and we make sure each person is suited for the program.”

When inmates complete the program, they leave with a resume, references from MASH staff, and new skills that can lead to careers in animal care or related fields. “They get a fresh start,” Sheline said. “And many don’t come back to jail. Our recidivism rate is rather low.”

Once animals like Lulu become the property of the MASH unit, they are made available for adoption. MASH promotes its available pets on Facebook and Petfinder and often attends community adoption events.

“We don’t charge set fees. it’s donation-based,” Sheline explained. “Every dollar goes directly toward the care of our animals.”

Dogs once too fearful to approach humans now wag their tails at adoption events. Inmates once disconnected from purpose leave with renewed confidence.

“It’s amazing,” Sheline said. “You see an animal that’s been through abuse or neglect learn to trust again. It’s heartbreaking when they leave, but you’re happy for them at the same time.”

For more information, or to see animals available for adoption, visit the MCSO MASH Unit Facebook page or Petfinder profile.