More Fee Support To Desex Cats

Media Release

Residents in need will continue to be able to access a subsidised cat desexing program, thanks to the extension of the partnership between Golden Plains Shire Council, the National Desexing Network and local veterinary clinics.

Originally launched in April, Golden Plains residents will now pay even less to desex their cats under the program’s extension. The reduced cost is available to pensioners, healthcare card holders, victims of family violence, residents on low incomes and people with too many cats to afford. The new fee is $25 for each cat.

In addition, if cats are not already microchipped at the time of desexing, residents will pay just $5 to have their cat microchipped, along with free Council registration for the first registration period.

The program is managed by the National Desexing Network. Residents who need support can phone the National Desexing Network on 1300 368 992 to find out if they are eligible to access the program. If eligible, they will be issued a desexing voucher and can then contact the vet to make an appointment. These subsidies are available while Council’s $15,000 contribution to the program lasts.  

Golden Plains Mayor Cr Helena Kirby said Council is pleased to extend the proactive program to support more residents.

“Already this year, this partnership program between Council, the National Desexing Network and local vets has already assisted desex 30 cats whose owners may not have been able to otherwise afford the service. Building on this success, we’ve extended the program with $15,000 which will help more locals by further reducing the cost of desexing ahead of spring.

“Beyond reducing financial barriers for residents and preventing unwanted cats, this initiative has benefits for our whole community, including reducing feral cat nuisance issues and their impact on the Shire’s wildlife, and reducing Council’s costs to collect, home and rehome unwanted litters.”

Dr Joy Verrinder, Strategic Director of AWLQ’s National Desexing Network, urged residents to get their male and female cats desexed between two and four months of age, as male cats are less likely to fight, roam and spray, and female cats can become pregnant from just 4 months old and can breed continuously after that. 

“We thank the local veterinary clinics for helping with this community service,” said Dr Verrinder.

Golden Plains Animal Hospital, Smythesdale Animal Hospital and Bannockburn Veterinary Clinic are all participating in this program for Golden Plains Shire residents.

NDN currently manages year-round Cooperative Desexing Programs free of charge for a growing number of Councils around Australia. 

“Ongoing desexing programs have helped achieve zero euthanasia of all healthy and treatable stray and surrendered cats and dogs in Gold Coast City, the second largest Council in Australia,” Dr Verrinder said.

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