In 2012, the Bolduc Correctional Facility formed a relationship with the Division of Animal Welfare of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry through their Shelter Me horse program.  This program is situated at the Bolduc Farm in an area in which inmates helped to build paddocks, renovate the barn, and cut the lumber for the stalls for the horses.

Shelter Me provides a welcoming home for horses that were abused, abandoned, or unsuitable for adoption due to health issues.  Inmates at the Bolduc Correctional Facility volunteer to help rehabilitate the abused horses. The program provides an opportunity for inmates to

learn about responsibility, compassion, patience, and respect for animals.  Money is saved by the Division of Animal Welfare since the state would be forced to pay

fees for the boarding and care the horses if they were living at a private facility.  After the horses are rehabilitated, the Division of Animal Welfare will help to arrange for their adoption.

Bradley and Lincoln were the first two horses welcomed into the Shelter Me program at the Bolduc Correctional Facility.

Judy Plummer, Director of Special Projects

and Public Affairs Coordinator at the Maine Department of Corrections, and Randy Thomas, the Farm Manager at the Bolduc Correctional Facility agreed to pose for a photo near Bradley and Lincoln.

Bradley’s stall is marked with a lovely sign made by one of the inmates.

The beautiful stalls for the horses were built by the inmates.