The University of Melbourne has decided to postpone the outcome of its proposal to cease operating U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital.
A decision on the future of U-Vet will come no later than 19 December. The postponement follows a recent rallying of students, staff and community over the proposed closure. A closure that would cost 100 skilled veterinary staff their jobs.
Over four weeks, from 8 November to 5 December, the University undertook a formal consultation process with staff from U-Vet and Melbourne Veterinary School (MVS) about its proposal to cease operating the hospital.
Taylor Reader, Veterinary Nurse at U-Vet, said U-Vet is the only veterinary teaching hospital in Victoria where students can gain hands-on experience providing veterinary care to animals of all shapes and sizes.
“Victoria is currently facing a shortage of vets and U-Vet’s ongoing operation is absolutely critical in training the quality vets we need for the future.
“Shutting it down makes absolutely no sense for the future of our industry or for the welfare of millions of animals across the state.”
As well as its veterinary services, U-Vet also provides unique specialist services that support Victoria’s equine and agricultural sectors and supports animal health across several government agencies including Melbourne Zoo, the Australian Customs Service, and Victoria Police.
In a statement, the University said it is fully committed to the ongoing operation of the Werribee campus and the delivery of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program for its students, but as this is now a legal process, they will not be providing any further comment until the matter is resolved.
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