Blackburn Correctional Complex (BCC) is proud to partner with Jessamine​ County Animal Care and Control for its dog program. The program provides obedience training and other skills for dogs to make them more adoptable.

The program started at BCC in January 2017. A contest was held among the offender population to name the new program and the winning selection was "Barkburn - A New Leash on Life". This name was selected because it represents a new life opportunity for the dog and a new opportunity for the offender trainer as well.

The program is an eight-week obedience course for the dogs, but the time limit can be extended if the dog needs additional training. Twenty offenders are carefully selected to participate in the program based upon set criteria that is reviewed by unit staff. A total of 10 dogs can be housed at one time and each dog is assigned two offenders trainers/handlers.

If you are interested in adopting a dog from Barkburn - A New Leash on Life, a list of available dogs are on the Jessamine County Animal Care and Control website. Dogs available through BCC's program are identified by the Barkburn logo.