A group of prisoners in Western Australia have been accused of eating guinea pigs they were caring for as part of a volunteer programme at an animal shelter. The incident occurred at Wooroloo Prison farm, approximately 30 miles from Perth, where guards discovered guinea pig meat and carcasses in a fridge.
It is understood that inmates killed the abandoned animals at the farm, then cooked and shared the meat with fellow prisoners after smuggling it back into the prison. The work-release programme has been suspended pending an investigation, and those involved have faced lengthy interrogations.
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce expressed concern, stating: 'All Section 95 activities from Wooroloo in the community are suspended pending the outcome of investigations. It's particularly concerning given the Section 95 community work program is an integral part of the Department's rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.'
While many Westerners may find the act shocking, guinea pig is considered a delicacy in parts of South America and Asia, often compared to rabbit with a meatier flavour. In 2024, a New York restaurant went viral for serving guinea pig, with manager Lucio Barrera describing it as 'better than chicken' and noting the head is the 'best part'. The dish, priced at $116 (£86), was selling rapidly.
The WA prison system had previously hailed the work-release programme as one of its most successful initiatives. The investigation is ongoing.
