At the State Penitentiary Complex (Cope), in São Pedro de Alcântara, in Greater Florianópolis, a flock of nine geese is responsible for the security of the unit.
The group is led by “Piu”, the most famous and noisy goose in the area. Their work is essential for surveillance at the maximum security prison, where around 1,300 inmates are housed.
The geese have been at the unit since 2009, when a server who raised these animals realized their potential for patrol. Since then, they have been circulating around the complex’s grounds, warning of any unusual movement. The unit is the only one in Santa Catarina that uses geese to assist with security.
Marcos Coronetti, criminal police officer at Cope, highlights the efficiency of the geese. He points out that, unlike dogs, geese are naturally alert and do not require training, specialized food costs or veterinary care.
“In addition to being fully ready for 24 hours and being excellent sentinels, they do not have the cost that dogs would have for training and food,” explains Coronetti.
The geese occupy a grassy area between the 6 meter high wall and a fence where the inmates circulate. The unit provides care and food for the geese, and the semi-open inmates contribute to their care, but are always kept separated by a fence.
The partnership between the criminal police and the goose flock has been successful, and now the unit plans to increase the number of geese and build more structures to give the animals more space.
The initiative to use geese for prison security has already been seen in other states, such as Rio Grande do Sul and Piauí, but is unique in Santa Catarina.
Tags: Sentinel Geese Flock protects Santa Catarina penitentiary
