Greyhounds sniff out new digs at Hunter Correctional Centre

29 March 2022

It was a happy tail after months of hard work at Hunter Correctional Centre, when retired racing dogs paid a visit ahead of launching a Greyhounds as Pets program (GAP) onsite.

Manager of offender services and programs Kristy Tindall said the visit helped familiarise dogs with their new home and prepare the six inmates set to participate in the program.

“Inmates have been working with staff to complete a Dogs as Pets course and participate in hands-on training with GAP, to help give these retired racers their best chance at finding a forever home,” Ms Tindall said.

“Our participants also gain valuable vocational skills to increase employment opportunities on release, which can reduce their risk of reoffending.”

Offenders earn nationally recognised qualifications in animal care and welfare, which they use to help socialise, train, exercise and care for the dogs at the prison.

The new purpose-built facility can house up to six greyhounds at once and features hydro bath, which was purchased by Hunter inmates following a cake-selling fundraiser.

Under the supervision of trade-qualified overseers, an inmate work crew contributed more than 400 hours’ work to the construction of the kennels and gained skills in excavation, formwork, pouring concrete, and installing drains, downpipes and chain-link fencing.

Ms Tindall said others crafted snuffle mats in preparation for the dogs’ arrival.

“It’s a simple task to make these felt enrichment mats for dogs to sniff food from but these jobs also teach inmates patience, purpose, how to manage deadlines and is a form of mindfulness.”

Training and work on the grounds will continue, with the animals due to move into their kennels from the beginning of May.

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Kevin Corcoran PSM said CSNSW has embraced the program since it first launched at Dillwynia Correctional Centre in 2010.

“This program helps animals in need find a loving family, while offering inmates the tools and experience to become law-abiding members of our communities,” Mr Corcoran said.

“Caring for animals through GAP teaches the principles of discipline and responsibility, which are beneficial for inmates to focus on when striving to modify their behaviour.”

Learn more about Greyhound as Pets programs currently established with CSNSW here.