Chavis teams up with The Humanization Project to Advocate for HB159 to Limit Use of Prison K9s

Jaeon has joined forces with The Humanization Project to advocate for the passage of HB159, a bill aimed at restricting the use of attack-trained dogs in prisons. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by Delegate Holly Seibold, highlights the urgent need for reform in Virginia’s correctional system.

Chavis, who has personally experienced the brutality of K9 units within prison walls, has become a vocal advocate for change. He shared his harrowing testimony, recounting the excessive force used by K9s and the traumatic impact it had on his life. His story is part of a larger pattern of abuse: between 2017 and 2022, there were 295 reported incidents of incarcerated individuals being bitten by attack-trained dogs in the United States, with Virginia accounting for a staggering 271 of these cases.

The high number of incidents in Virginia underscores the critical nature of HB159. This proposed legislation seeks to curtail the deployment of attack dogs in correctional facilities, a move that advocates argue is essential for the protection and humane treatment of prisoners.

The Humanization Project, known for its advocacy for prison reform and human rights, has provided a platform for Chavis and others to voice their experiences and push for legislative change. Their combined efforts aim to not only limit the use of attack dogs but also to promote broader reforms within the prison system.

As HB159 moves through the legislative process, the partnership between Chavis, The Humanization Project, and Delegate Seibold stands as a powerful example of advocacy and the fight for justice. Their work is a crucial step toward ensuring the safety and dignity of incarcerated individuals in Virginia and beyond.