You all remember Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona , who painted the jail cells pink and made the   inmates wear pink prison garb. Well......... SHERIFF JOE IS AT IT AGAIN! Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats   and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said   okay. The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the   strays. Each animal is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts   in animal nutrition and behavior. They give classes for anyone who'd like to adopt an animal. He   has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them into the care of prisoners, and had them   place in dog shows. The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. I  recently adopted   a Weimaraner from a Maricopa County shelter two years ago. He was neutered, and  current   on all shots, in great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day we got him. Cost $78. The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free,   just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals.