'We are reeling': Pets in 'purgatory' as flights divert from Melbourne
Pets are stuck in transit with fears they could be put down after a decision to divert international flights from Melbourne also cut access to Australia's only quarantine facility for cats and dogs.
The first international flights were redirected - and some cancelled entirely - on Wednesday as the Victorian government scrambled to contain coronavirus cases originating in quarantine hotels.
Ellen Tyrrell and her dog Hilde, who is stuck in Doha due to COVID-19.Credit:Andrew Speers
But the move has left a number of pets stranded overseas, with the Department of Agriculture preventing animals being loaded onto Australia-bound flights until further notice.
Seven-year-old schnoodle Hilde was already in the air from London when the decision was made and has been stuck in Doha, Qatar, since Tuesday night, unable to board her connecting flight to Melbourne.
The couple and their dog had lived in London for more than two years.Credit:Andrew Speers
"Everybody's in this purgatory with their pets in Doha," Hilde's owner Andrew Speers said on Wednesday.
"I think what's most disappointing about this to us, is it feels like a mistake's been made to fix a mistake."
Mr Speers, who recently moved back from London to Gerroa, south of Sydney, said Hilde was at an animal-care facility at Doha airport which would be acceptable in the short-term.
He fears that if the situation continues, pets could be put down.
"Their immediate welfare is OK but what it means longer term, they're not designed to be long-term care facilities and the animals keep building up, effectively. It's going to reach a very critical point very soon," Mr Speers said.
"I totally understand the issues, we need to do the right thing as a society. We don't disagree with that and we understand that this is just animals, we're not stupid. But we're asking for some compassion."
Mr Speers and his wife Ellen Tyrrell had been living in London with Hilde for about 2½ years, but moved back to Australia to take care of his mother-in-law.
Hilde was supposed to come home on the same flight as Ms Tyrrell in March, but that flight was cancelled and the couple has been working to get her to Australia ever since.
Andrew Speers and Ellen Tyrrell have been working to get Hilde home and fear for her safety in the long-term.Credit:Andrew Speers
He was notified on Wednesday afternoon that Hilde's redirected flight from Doha had been cancelled entirely.
"We are reeling with this, I tell you what. It's been a long and ongoing saga involving multiple airlines. We had a flight and it's been ripped away from us at the last minute."
The couple has already spent $14,000 in housing, flights and vaccinations. Mr Speers said they will fly Hilde back to London and temporarily board her again if necessary.
The Agriculture Department confirmed it was working to establish alternatives for animals stuck abroad.
The department said it was working to find alternatives for the animals diverted mid-flight, with euthanasia a last resort only.
"The department is taking all steps to ensure that alternative arrangements are made for animal imports during stage 3 COVID restrictions – particularly those that may have been caught in transit," a spokesperson said.
All live animals arriving in Australia have to come via Melbourne, to stay at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility for observation.
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