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Ruff news: Dog handlers at Michigan prisons get pay cut

Prison bars
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MUNISING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan prisoners who are trusted to train dogs are getting a 42% pay cut to $1.54 per day after a mistake was discovered by the Corrections Department.

Prisoners already receive low wages for their work behind bars. Now a pay cut from $2.65 per day hurts, especially when the job requires special skills.

The Detroit Free Press says a Corrections Department official made a mistake by approving the higher pay rate around 2011.

Men who train dogs at the Alger prison say they must have a good record and complete an eight-week training program to get the jobs.

Louise Reichert of Escanaba says her Pomeranian was trained by prisoners. She says he's been a great pet.