Service dog training program withdraws from Naval Brig

NORTH CHARLESTON (WCSC) - Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston will no longer host a program that trains service dogs for wounded military veterans.

Canines for Service withdrew its program on June 24, according to a news release by the Wilmington, North Carolina-based non-profit.

Through the organization, military prisoners train service dogs, which are then paired with an injured veteran.  Since its inception, 38 veterans received a service dog.

The news release cites declining donations and grand funding, and the "inability for the Brig to provide staff support for the program at levels previously provided."

Katie Suich, Navy Personnel Command media officer, said they regret Canines for Veterans pulled out of Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston, but the first priority for staff members is elsewhere.

"The Brig staff is there to support prisoners," she said, adding that the organization does good work.

The program will resume in Wilmington.

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