6 days ago
Wooroloo prisoners allegedly ate guinea pigs taken from Perth animal shelter
Allegations of prisoners eating guinea pigs from a Perth animal shelter are being investigated by the Department of Corrective Services.
The prisoners alleged to have been involved were part of the Wooroloo Prison Farm's Section 95 program, which allows minimum-security prisoners to participate in supervised work programs in the community.
WA's Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said an investigation was sparked after a prison staff member found guinea pig carcasses being stored in a shed outside the prison perimeter.
"They didn't get them into the prison, they have an external area where we maintain tool sheds, things like that for working in the community," Mr Royce told Nine radio.
Prisoners working at an animal shelter were told the animals were "quite tasty" and they began slaughtering some of the disowned pets for meat to cook at the prison, the West Australian newspaper reported.
"Eating guinea pigs is a surprise, but any of my Section 95 prisoners, we don't encourage them eating offsite or give them anything," Mr Royce said.
"In this case there was a deal done, obviously, that will come up in the investigation."
All Section 95 programs from Wooroloo have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, Mr Royce said.
"These allegations are disturbing, and I have asked for an investigation into the actions of Section 95 prisoners and their supervision," Mr Royce said in a statement.
"It's particularly concerning given the Section 95 community work program is an integral part of the department's rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, demonstrating the valuable contributions prisoners can make to Western Australian communities.
WA Premier Roger Cook said while he was not against eating guinea pigs, he was disgusted by the alleged behaviour of the prisoners.
"I'm appalled by the revelations that, potentially, [guinea pigs were] surrendered up for someone's meal in a prison," he said.
"I understand in some cultures they're considered a delicacy, but it's inappropriate for prison personnel on day release to take advantage of an opportunity at an animal refuge.
"It sounds like disgusting behaviour."
