My Pet World: America's 'toughest sheriff' has a soft spot for animals
Soon after prisoners moved into the tents, the critters took over the jail. There are now about 100 dogs and 80 cats, with about 50 more cats on the way, the result of a recent hoarding case.
The pets eat quality food, they have toys, dogs are exercised on a rooftop deck and in the yard, and the animals live in air-conditioned comfort.
"Some (have) said the animals have it better than people in my jail," said Arpaio, smiling. "Well, the dogs and cats are innocent. The people are there for a reason."
He continues, "I'm a warm-hearted guy, no matter what the media says. Some prisoners drew a heart (on a wall) and (wrote) Joe's Cat House (in the heart)."
What Arpaio hasn't done is to study the rate of repeat crimes (recidivism) among the prisoners who work with the animals vs. those who don't. Anecdotally, however, most prisoners build confidence, take their animal care responsibilities seriously, and may even build a sense compassion through the experience, he says.
A new focus of Arpaio's is arresting people participating in the crime of bestiality.
"I take this stuff seriously," he says. "Again, the animals are victims."
Arpaio says this activity is advertised on Craig's List. Using standard undercover police techniques, he's caught and arrested seven individuals since 2012.
"These aren't the scum of the earth; they're professional, sophisticated people doing this," Arpaio says. He's written to the CEO of Craig's List to ask for cooperation, but hasn't received a reply.
Arpaio says he does right by the animals because "it's the right thing to do," but concedes it can be frustrating when other public officials don't support those efforts, and the U.S. judicial system doesn't take these crimes seriously.
"They (judges) say there's no room in the jails. Well, I will find the room," he says.
At 82, Arpaio is planning yet another run for the office he's held since 1992.
"I worry (that) when I go away from office, my programs will shut down, and there will be nowhere else for these animals."
Arpaio is wearing a tie with the image of a revolver pointed at the person talking with him. Is he really as tough as his image suggests? Arpaio scrunches up his face and just stares before answering, "What do you think?"
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