A six-month trial program will see rescue dogs housed at Wandoo and nurtured by prisoners in a transitional capacity for up to 30 days, or until an appropriate foster home can be found for the pets.
Initially four to six prisoners at a time will take part in the foster program.
The first dog in the program is Floyd, a four-year-old English Staffordshire, who was rescued by DBBR on the day he was due to be euthanised.
Wandoo Superintendent, Sean Kelly, said Floyd was now the facility’s star resident, with four doting prisoners assigned responsibility for his care and training.
“I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say Floyd’s arrival had a positive change on the overall mood of the prison,” Superintendent Kelly said.
“Expert volunteers from DBBR provide training for the prisoners to ensure they are providing Floyd, and future rescue dogs, with the correct care, exercise and training.
“On top of those skills, it’s hoped the program will help prisoners develop their sense of responsibility and compassion as they assist Floyd through his rehabilitation journey.”
The prisoners care for Floyd during the day, and at night he sleeps in a contained area in the yard of one of the units.
Floyd has his own prison security tag complete with laminated photo. His prison name is ‘Floyd Wandoo 1’ - in recognition of his status as the first dog to get a second chance thanks to this program.
DBBR was established in 2016. The “Behind Bars” part of the group’s name has nothing to do with prison, but rather is a reference to dogs held in pounds. Rescued dogs are provided with emergency care until quality ‘forever families’ are found.
