K9s at Nigel Prison in tip-top condition
In response to an email in which our journalist was asked to investigate the dog unit of Nigel Correctional Services (NCS), HERAUT met with K9 handler Louis Badenhorst and chief of security, Mr Willie Aucamp at the NCS dog unit on July 30.
Ruandé Engelbrecht wrote to HERAUT on July 26 saying that while attending a private function at Nigel Prison, her family took a walk around the premises to show her son some of the guard dogs. “What a disappointment. The one dog we could see was in a terrible condition – one could actually see his bones,” the email read.
HERAUT’s investigation revealed a fully functional and exceptionally well maintained dog unit, with 14 K9 breeds which are each quartered off in a clean kennel with sufficient food and fresh water.
The storeroom is also well stocked with 20kg bags of Vets Choice pellets and among the lively animals in the kennels outside, HERAUT did not encounter a single dog that fitted Ruandé’s description.
Mr Aucamp, head of security at Nigel Correctional Services said the dogs are important role players in situations they refer to as deterrence factors.
Another important aspect of the NCS dog unit is that it also accepts donations of large breeds from the public.
For more information on the donation of large breed K9s to the Department of Correctional Service, phone 011 814 8138.
