Animal shelter lets offenders work off fines through community service

At the Arche Noah animal shelter in Graz, 21 people are currently performing unpaid community service instead of paying fines or facing prosecution, ORF reported. The shelter cares for cats and dogs.

One of them, identified as Lukas by a name changed by the editorial team, said he had committed several offences, including bodily harm. He faced a fine of 4,000 euros, which he could not afford to pay.

The court offered him the opportunity to work off the penalty through the Neustart association. At the shelter, his duties include supporting animal carers, cleaning enclosures and helping with small construction tasks.

Susanne Pekler of Neustart said there are two ways people can be assigned community service. In one, someone accused of a less serious offence is offered the chance by the public prosecutor to have the proceedings discontinued after completing unpaid work. In the other, the person cannot pay a fine, and the work serves as the alternative payment.

The tasks at Arche Noah include cleaning, maintenance and gardening, said Katharina Gründl of the shelter. The animals also benefit because they receive more walks, socialisation and support in regaining trust.

Pekler said studies show that people who complete community service are less likely to reoffend. More than 80 percent, she said, never come into conflict with the law again after completing their work there.

Lukas said he had also learned something from the animals: “You can rely on an animal being honest. If it does not like you, it shows you.”