Our Euthanasia Policy

At Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue, we believe every dog deserves a chance at safety, healing, and a loving future. Euthanasia is not a decision we take lightly—nor one we ever approach without exhaustive deliberation, compassion, and professional guidance. It is considered only when all other options have been explored and a dog’s well-being is irreversibly compromised.

Our Guiding Values

• We are dedicated to saving lives. We exist to protect and rehabilitate vulnerable dogs, and we work tirelessly to find loving homes for every animal in our care.

• We place the dog’s needs first. Our commitment is to their physical and psychological well-being, even when that means making difficult decisions.

• We pursue every avenue before considering euthanasia. This includes working collaboratively with other rescue groups, the Community Foster Care Network, and professionals to locate alternate foster, foster-to-adopt, or rehabilitation solutions.

Veterinary and Behavioural Support

To ensure that our decisions are fully informed and ethically sound, we consult multiple veterinary professionals for independent assessments and recommendations. We maintain formal agreements with several veterinary clinics that assist us with physical evaluations, medical treatment, and ongoing health monitoring.

We also have access to:

• A head animal behaviourist through one of our partner organisations

• An internationally experienced behaviourist with over 20 years’ expertise

• A committee member currently studying Dog Behaviour, Psychology, and Training

These professionals provide vital insight into the behavioural, emotional, and medical needs of our dogs. Through consultation and ongoing assessment, we craft individualised behaviour and training plans aimed at rehabilitation wherever possible.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Under Section 41A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, a dog may be declared menacing if it has rushed at, chased, or bitten a person or animal, causing injury that is not classified as serious. In such cases, the law prohibits rehoming, and the declaration applies across Victoria.

These situations are rare and deeply challenging. We make every effort to pursue rehabilitation and behaviour management before considering any alternative. Our team works closely with veterinary and behavioural professionals to explore every possible path forward.

Transparent Communication and Collaboration

If all pathways have been exhausted and a dog’s needs cannot be safely met, we commit to open, honest, and respectful dialogue with each other and our network. All parties will approach this process with due diligence and good faith, ensuring every decision is made without harm to the integrity of Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue or the dignity of the dog.

Our Record and Continued Commitment

We are proud of the lives we’ve changed—re-homing approximately 45 dogs this year alone, many of them rehabilitated and thriving. While no journey is without challenge, our successes far outweigh our setbacks, and our mission continues to evolve.

We remain committed to thoughtful social media communication, policy updates, and continued transparency with our community.

In Conclusion

Euthanasia is never a convenient option. It is a last resort taken only when all others have failed, and when continuing would cause suffering we cannot ethically allow. We stand by our purpose: to do everything possible to save dogs’ lives—always.