Milly and Murphy FAQ

UPDATE 16/10/25

Milly is still with The Lost Dogs’ Home and undergoing assessment. As soon as we have more information we will update on her pathway.

It has been brough to our attention from many distressed and worried people emailing us to let us know there is information circulating online that she has ‘failed’ a test.  Thank you for reaching out to share your concern for Milly.

Over the past week, we’ve received many emails and questions from people concerned about Murphy and Milly’s care. It’s genuinely heartening to see so many individuals moved to speak up for animals; compassion and advocacy are at the heart of everything we do at the Lost Dogs’ Home.

While we haven’t been able to respond to every message individually, please know that we’ve read them all. Your voices matter, and we’ve taken the time to reflect on the most common questions raised.  

This resource is designed to address many of those questions clearly and respectfully. We hope this will serve as a helpful reference moving forward.

At this time, we won’t be responding to new queries about Murphy or Milly. Our team is deeply focused on the vital work of caring for and rehoming animals in need. We will provide an update on Milly’s pathway once we have a clear and informed direction. Until then, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding.

We respectfully ask that our staff be allowed to continue their important work which they do with great skill, heart, and dedication. If you’re looking for ways to help, we always welcome support through adoption, fostering, or volunteering. There are many other animals in our care right now who need homes, and your compassion can make a real difference.

Thank you for standing with us.

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Frequently Asked Questions  

Why wasn’t Murphy’s foster family informed of his passing?
Every foster carer is given the opportunity to decide whether they wish to be informed about the outcome of the animal they cared for, including in sensitive cases.  

In line with the foster family’s request to be informed about Murphy’s outcome, and our usual process, we informed the family that we unfortunately could not rehome Murphy and that he would be euthanised. We acknowledge how deeply upsetting this has been for Murphy’s foster family.

How long was Murphy’s behaviour monitored, and in what settings?
Our behaviour team understands that animal behaviour is shaped by many factors including genetics, early experiences, environment, and health. Given this, Murphy’s behaviour was monitored across multiple contexts, including shelter intake, medical history, veterinary handling, and structured behavioural assessments. Data from these assessments was collected over a two week period.  

Why did in-shelter assessments outweigh foster home observations?
Foster carers share our vision of giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life.

Their feedback is an important part of our behaviour assessment process. Foster feedback is one piece of the puzzle that provides insight into his overall temperament, but we need to collate all pieces of the puzzle to inform our assessment, which can be critical in assessing risk.

That’s why our behaviour team uses a cumulative, evidence-based approach that includes foster feedback, veterinary input, structured assessments, and expert consultation when making their decision. It’s critical that behavioural decisions are made by trained professionals who can interpret all available information to ensure consistency and uphold community safety.

What behaviours were observed in Murphy?
Murphy was assessed as unsuitable for rehoming due to anti-social behaviour and a high risk of developing aggression. Murphy displayed abnormal behavioural development for a puppy of approximately three months.

Why wasn’t Murphy transferred to a rescue group?
We work closely with rescue partners and are grateful for their support. In Murphy’s case, the behavioural risks identified were deemed too significant to responsibly transfer him to a rescue group. We made this hard decision based on decades of combined experience rehabilitating thousands of animals, and in accordance with our duty of care and public safety obligations.

Is euthanasia ever based on potential future risk or familial behaviour?
Each case is assessed individually. While familial behaviour may inform risk, decisions are never made solely on this basis. Behavioural risk must be supported by observed evidence and expert review.

Did the team consider environmental and experiential factors?
Yes. Our behaviour team understands that animal behaviour is shaped by many factors including genetics, early experiences, environment, and health. This allows them to make evidence-based and compassionate decisions for every individual animal.

When will Milly’s assessment conclude?
Milly’s assessment is ongoing, and we are taking the time required to understand her behaviour. As animal behaviour is dynamic and context-dependent, these are decisions we don’t rush, and our priority is always to give every animal the best chance of a safe, happy life. While we do not have a fixed timeline for when this process will conclude, we will continue to provide updates via our website and social channels.

When did Milly’s assessment begin?
Milly’s assessment began upon intake and has continued through structured observation, behavioural review and feedback from foster care.

How do you work with rescue partners?
We deeply value our rescue partners and work collaboratively with them when their support is needed.  

In this instance, our team is able to manage the case internally. We do currently have other dogs who would benefit from rescue placement, and we warmly welcome any rescue groups to reach out if they’re able to assist with those cases.

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We acknowledge that many members of the community are invested in Milly’s case. At this stage, we have shared the information that we can and are focussed on conducting a thorough behavioural assessment. We will provide an update once we have a clear and informed pathway forward.

Our staff are working with care, skill, and integrity, often under immense pressure and scrutiny. We respectfully ask that our team be allowed to do their work.  

If you wish to help animals in need, we welcome your support through adoption, fostering, or volunteering. There are many others in our care right now who need homes, and your compassion can make a real difference.

At The Lost Dogs’ Home, our team and Board are here to serve animals and the community with integrity and heart. As animal lovers, and in accordance with our mission, we are continuing to focus on providing the best possible care to the all the animals who still need our support every day.