The proposed closure of Melbourne University’s Werribee U-Vet Animal Hospital has drawn strong opposition from residents who have labelled the move “dreadful“ and an “absolute shame“.
U-Vet provides animal care, referral and specialist support services, and 12-hour emergency care to pet owners across the western suburbs, treating more than 25,000 animals each year.
Werribee resident Susan Browning said she’s been a client of the hospital since “2001 and until today“.
Her two Rottweilers and two Staffordshire bull terriers “went there for everything“.
“When your dog is haemorrhaging blood from the back end, it’s not fun,“ she said.
“It’s very difficult to try and get an appointment with a vet outside the U-Vet environment.
“[The proposed closure] places great strain on other vet practices in the area.“
Ms Browning said the hospital once offered many specialist services, but she’ll now have to travel to Dandenong, Essendon Fields or Kensington, depending on what type of care her pets need.
“For me, [the U-VET hospital] is the heart of Werribee,“ she said.
Animal Justice Party’s Werribee candidate Josh Segrave said the proposed closure would be an “absolute tragedy“ and a “blow to the entire community“.
“Animal care is in crisis, and the last thing Werribee needs is our only emergency hospital closing its doors,“ he said.
Mr Segrave said he was deeply concerned the closure would limit the type of care available during an emergency, and could put pressure on other veterinary clinics and hospitals in the region.
“Animals should never go without the care they need, and those with pets shouldn’t be forced to travel halfway across Melbourne to get critical care for their companion animals,“ he said.
Mr Segrave said the closure would also be “devastating“ for hospital staff and student veterinarians who complete their training at U-Vet.
A spokesperson for the University of Melbourne said while there were no changes to operations at the hospital at this time, consultations regarding its future were being undertaken.
“It is proposed that the University of Melbourne will cease to operate U-Vet Animal Hospital at Werribee,“ the spokesperson said.
“In addition, the university is also exploring the potential for a third party commercial veterinary business to operate from the Werribee hospital facility in the future.
“However any decision on this is subject to the outcome of the consultation on the university’s proposal regarding U-Vet.
“This is a source of great regret and we will take all possible steps to support our staff during this difficult period,“ the University of Melbourne spokesperson said.
