Golden Plains Shire Council, the National Desexing Network and local veterinary clinics have joined forces to offer residents in need a subsidised desexing program to help prevent unwanted cats.
Local residents on pensions or low income or with too many cats to afford to desex will receive free cat desexing, microchipping and 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. 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 contribution to the program lasts.
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 four months old and can breed continuously after that.
“We thank the local veterinary clinics for helping with this community service,” said Dr Verrinder.
Furlife Bannockburnl, Furlife Smythesdale 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.