The Department of Correctional Services has teamed up with RSPCA Darwin to boost its volunteer numbers and improve the lives of abandoned or abused animals in its care.

Since mid-November, low security prisoners from the Darwin Correctional Centre (DCC) at Holtze have been repaying the community through volunteer work assisting the animal attendants at our largest animal welfare organisation.

RSPCA shelter manager Dani Walter said the prisoners were doing an excellent job.

“Having the prisoners at the RSPCA shelter has been a great help as we are always in need of volunteers, especially this time of year,” she said.

“Not only are our animal numbers a lot higher but we see a decrease in volunteer numbers over the holiday period.

“The prisoners have also been doing a lot of gardening and grounds maintenance as well as general handyman jobs around the shelter.” 

From 9am until 2.30pm Monday to Friday, the prisoners give their all at the RSPCA shelter on Boulter Road, Berrimah, where their efforts make a distinct difference in the lives of abandoned or abused animals.

DCC Principle Industries Officer, Kevin Ayers, said working with animals had a significant impact on prisoner behaviour.

“At an emotional level, they get real satisfaction knowing that their work is valued and that what they are doing is bettering the lives of other living things.

“Many prisoners have never had pets and this type of work teaches them responsibility and care,” he said.

The prisoners clean out the RSPCA kennels and catteries, feed the animals and walk dogs along Boulter Road for daily exercise.

Mr Ayers said successful volunteer employment was a pathway for prisoners to enter the Sentenced to a Job program where they obtained paid employment, paid taxes and made reparation to Victims of Crime. 

Media are invited to attend the RSPCA shelter at 80 Boulter Road Berrimah at 9.30am. Staff and prisoners will be available for interview.

Media Contact: David Harris 0400 342 389