More cash for cats to get the snip

A DESEXING program for cats in Golden Plains Shire has been extended and at a reduced cost to pet owners.

Launched earlier this year in partnership with the National Desexing Network, the new subsidised cost to have a cat neutered or spayed is $25.

Strategic Director of the National Desexing Network, Dr Joy Verrinder, said between two and four months old was the perfect time to have a kitten fixed.

“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.

“We thank the local veterinary clinics for helping with this community service.”

There are eligibility requirements to access the program and resident can call 1300 368 992 to find out if they fall within the program.

If the okay is given a voucher is issued for a local vet who will conduct the procedure.

As part of the program eligible cat owners could also be entitled to $5 microchipping and free council registration.

Gold Plains Shire is contributing $15,000 towards the effort and mayor Cr Helena Kirby the program had been beneficial so far.

“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,” she said.

“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.”