Lort Smith recently welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of a Pet Taskforce dedicated to better support the rehoming of Victorian dogs and cats. Lort Smith’s philosophy means we will never euthanise an animal capable of being rehomed, no matter how long it takes. Our Adoption Centre works tirelessly to find wonderful new homes for surrendered animals. Last year our Adoption Centre rehomed almost 600 beautiful animals.

Lort Smith Head of Hospital, Dr David Cunliffe explained, “We understand the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets will provide recommendations to government on how to improve and better support the rehoming of pets in Victoria, including dogs and cats used in research, while maintaining community safety.”

Lort Smith Animal Hospital was pleased to have three of the members of the Taskforce recently visit our site – Mr Andy Meddick (Taskforce Chairman, Animal Justice Party member of the Victorian Legislative Council), Ms Maree Edwards (Member for Bendigo West, Deputy Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly), and Mr Gary Maas (Member for Narre Warren South) – all had a tour of the Animal Hospital and Adoption Centre.

The Taskforce is now seeking input from the community and we encourage you to have your say by completing this survey.

Lort Smith is looking forward to providing a submission to the Taskforce on this important issue.

We will be sharing our views with the Taskforce on a range of issues including how to improve the welfare and survival rates of dogs and cats requiring rehoming, as well as ways to increase transparency in the movement of animals between shelters, pounds and rescue groups. Once the Taskforce has received submissions from stakeholders and the community they will provide advice to the Victorian Government on changes to the regulations impacting on rehoming dogs and cats.