Costs cut for cat owners

REGISTRATION fees have been halved for some cat owners in within the Shire.

Residents with a dedicated enclosure for their feline friends, and applicable concession, are eligible to pay a reduced registration fee of $12.25 down from $24.50.

Outlined in the municipality’s 2022/2023 budget, Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said he expects the new initiative to encourage and reward good pet care.

“Council is committed to supporting responsible pet ownership in Golden Plains and incentives such as the subsidised cat desexing program and halved registration fee initiative for cat owners with cat enclosures make it more affordable to own a cat in the Shire,” he said.

“These programs not only assist those who may not have otherwise been able to afford these services but also assist the wider community by reducing feral cat nuisance issues and their impact on the Shire’s wildlife, while also lowering the costs for council to collect, home and rehome unwanted litters.”

The lowered cost will apply to owners with current registrations when renewals are due in April next year, while owners with fertile cats will not be eligible.

Municipal officers are also offering a subsidised cat desexing program with the National Desexing Network.

This initiative includes free desexing, microchipping and initial registration for pensioned or low-income cat owners in the region.

Participating practices include the Bannockburn Veterinary Clinic, Smythesdale Animal Hospital and Golden Plains Animal Hospital.

For more information on reduced registration fee visit bit.ly/3BvMZGo. Contact the National Desexing Network on 1300 368 992 to receive an eligibility voucher for the subsididy program.