Stop The Killing of Dogs & Cats in Japan

Saving dogs means saving people—this belief gave rise to Japan’s first-ever prison-based Rescue Dog Training Program, which is now approaching its one-year anniversary. With the goal of having inmates train rescue dogs so they can go on to live with new families, Peace Wanko has partnered with the Correction Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Justice to implement this groundbreaking initiative.

One of the dogs selected for the program was Pax, a timid former stray. After receiving training for about a year at the Onomichi Branch Prison, Pax was successfully adopted in October, marking a major milestone for the program.

A year ago, the first two dogs chosen for the program were Pax and Robert, both former strays. Robert, with his brown coat, was friendly and sociable. Pax, recognizable by his black fur and slightly drooping ears, was far more timid and easily frightened around unfamiliar people. On his first visit to the Onomichi Branch Prison, he was so overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment and the large number of strangers that he could not come out of his crate.

Through monthly visits to the prison, Pax gradually learned to walk on a leash led by inmates. Six months later, he even succeeded in participating in overnight training sessions with them. The distance between Pax and the inmates steadily narrowed, and the once-frightened dog made remarkable progress in becoming comfortable around people.

When Pax was finally able to build trusting relationships with humans, it became clear that his graduation from the program was near. In October 2025, Pax reached his graduation day. On his final day of training, staff members gathered inside the prison for a farewell ceremony. The inmate who had been responsible for Pax’s training said to him at parting, “You can forget about me. Just love your new family and be happy.”

One participating inmate reflected, “I felt like I became a little more human again.” Through caring for Pax, he found himself wanting to grow, just as Pax had, and he gained a renewed sense of purpose and personal goals.

The Rescue Dog Training Program has been featured on news programs and has received widespread attention. At the Onomichi Branch Prison, a dedicated room for living with dogs has been established as a symbol of the commitment to continuing this initiative.

Following Pax’s graduation, two new dogs have joined the program in Onomichi. They are just as timid as Pax was at the beginning. Will they be able to build trusting relationships with the inmates? A new challenge has already begun.

Aiming to achieve zero euthanasia nationwide, Peace Wanko works to save and bring happiness to as many dogs as possible. In doing so, its activities enrich not only the lives of dogs but also those of people. Peace Wanko operates solely through the generosity of donors, and we sincerely ask for your continued support.