Students and staff fight university over Werribee animal hospital closure

Veterinary students and staff were shocked when Melbourne University announced the snap closure of U-Vet hospital, but they’re not going without a fight.

Angry staff and students will hold a protest on Monday after the shock announcement to close a western suburbs animal hospital.

The closure of the Melbourne University animal hospital in Werribee was announced last week, when the vice-chancellor emailed staff announcing the hospital would close as early as December 23.

Staff claim the move was “an effort to ram through U-Vet’s closure with minimal consultation”.

Veterinary nurse Taylor Reader said students, staff and residents were determined to fight the closure.

“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,” Ms Reader said.

“Shutting it down makes absolutely no sense for the future of our industry or for the welfare of millions of animals across the state.”

According to protesters, the closure will result in more than 100 job losses for skilled workers.

The protest will be held at the U-Vet animal hospital in Werribee on Monday, November 21.

Melbourne University has announced the U-Vet animal hospital in Werribee will close, but staff and students are fighting back. Picture: Tony Gough

Ms Reader said U-Vet provided “irreplaceable” vet services to the community, as well as Victoria’s equine and agricultural sectors and government agencies.

“The U – Vet Animal Hospital provides a full range of veterinary services that are vital to protecting the health of thousands of pets in our local community every year,” she said.

As part of the closure, the university will also dissolve the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences and integrate the vet and ag schools into the Faculty of Science.

Speaking to the Herald Sun last week, head of veterinary and agricultural sciences Professor John Fazakerley said the university remained committed to both courses.

“These changes do not involve the discontinuation of any area of research or teaching and all of our campuses associated with our work in both faculties will be retained.’’

The changes come after the Herald Sun revealed last year of the closure of emergency and 24-hour services at the equine hospital.