WESTVILLE, Ind. - A popular prison program that let inmates train shelter dogs so they could be adopted is being canceled because of cost concerns.

More than 375 inmates have trained about 700 dogs through the Prison Tails Program at the Westville Correctional Facility. But prison officials will end the program Oct. 1.

   Assistant Superintendent John Schrader told the LaPorte County Herald-Argus that officials couldn't justify the cost of the full-time staff member to run the program.

   The program had 32 dogs and 32 trainers. That has dropped to a dozen dogs and trainers.

   The federal Department of Labor recognized the program as an educational provider in 2008. Participants who complete the necessary requirements earn certificates as animal trainer and have their sentences reduced by six months.