Statement about Staffy x puppy, Milly

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.

We know that everyone is anxiously awaiting a decision regarding the Staffy x puppy, Milly.

Milly is safe and loved, being cared for in a private home, not in the shelter.

As has been widely shared, Milly came back to the Home as part of our behavioural assessment process late last week; we have also been given information and feedback from people who spent time with her, that forms part of the picture of her behaviour.

We’ll continue to monitor and review her behaviour. Our aim will be to understand more about personality, temperament and motivations.

Behaviour is complex and context-dependent, and so is the assessment process. We don’t have a set timeframe, but we will share updates via our website and social media channels as soon as we have news. During this period, we won’t be able to respond to individual emails requesting updates.

To give us the best chance of evaluating Milly’s behavioural suitability for rehoming, this monitoring is expected to take place over a few weeks as it’s important that we set Milly up to succeed and provide her with the best opportunity, as we do for all the dogs in our care.

FAQS:

How will we be managing this case?

We have a highly experienced and trusted team of behaviour trainers who are well-equipped to manage this case. They also have access to external expert advice and support if needed on any of our cases. We’re confident in their ability to assess and guide the best outcome.

Under the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds (Code of Practice) we cannot rehome animals who are aggressive, anti-social, or who have known vices.  We would not be meeting our obligations regarding community safety if we transferred an animal who we consider unsuitable for rehoming based on our expert behaviour assessment processes.

Will you be seeking support from your trusted 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.

Why is Milly’s situation different to Murphy?
As we’ve shared previously, our decision regarding Murphy was based on multiple sources of information on an ongoing basis and clear behavioural indicators that made him unsuitable for rehoming. That situation followed the Code of Practice. Murphy’s case is exceptional and rare. We understand the distress it may cause, but our priority must always be public safety. In Milly’s case we do not have the full picture of her behaviour.

When will a decision be made about Milly’s pathway?
Behaviour is complex and context-dependent, and so is the assessment process. We don’t have a set timeframe, but we will share updates via our website and social media channels as soon as we have news. During this period, we won’t be able to respond to individual emails requesting updates.