Prisoners at the Metropolitan Remand Centre and Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in Ravenhall could care for lost pets, under plans to centralise animal management between three councils in Melbourne’s west.
Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham councils have discussed with Corrections Victoria the possibility of a “shared animal management facility”, most likely at the women’s only Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, with Minister for Corrections Wade Noonan expressing interest in the idea.
The councils will investigate a service for impoundment, after hours collection and rehousing of domestic cats and dogs following doubts about the long term ability of the Lost Dogs Home in North Melbourne to cope with the west’s growing population.
It is envisaged that the scheme would assist the rehabilitation and training of inmates.
A Brimbank council report stated: “The investigation of this option is based on the idea of a program for the involvement of inmates with operational aspects of the facility, including animal care, and that inmate training and rehabilitation could be part of the business model.”
Another alternative being considered is the building of a facility on an industrial estate by a private developer.
Wyndham council is investigating the financial requirements of the idea.
Investigations, including detailed analysis and consultation, is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
