Prisoners volunteering at an animal shelter have been accused of eating the creatures they were supposed to be caring for.
The ‘disturbing’ allegations were uncovered when guards found guinea pig meat and carcasses in a fridge at the Wooroloo Prison farm, 45km from Perth.
Inmates are believed to have slaughtered the disowned pets at the farm before smuggling the meat back into prison where it was cooked and shared around.
Guinea pig , which is routinely eaten in South America and Asia, is considered to have a gamey flavour that tastes more meatier than rabbit.
Those involved in the alleged meat trade have since been subject to lengthy interrogation and the work-release program has been shut down by jail bosses.
‘All Section 95 activities from Wooroloo in the community are suspended pending the outcome of investigations,’ Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce told The West.
‘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.’
Prior to the scandal breaking out, the work-release program had been considered one of the WA prison system’s most successful initiatives.
Those involved in the program have been accused of eating the farm’s disowned guinea pigs (stock pictured)
