SUBSIDISED DESEXING PROGRAM TO PREVENT UNWANTED CATS

Scenic Rim Regional Council, Animal Welfare League Queensland's National Desexing Network  and local vets have joined forces to offer a subsidised desexing program to prevent more unwanted cats in the region.

Eligible Scenic Rim residents on a pension or low income will pay just $35 to desex their male cats and $55 for the first female cat, with additional female cats for only $35. 

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said residents in need of support should phone the National Desexing Network on 5509 9001 to find out if they are eligible and receive a desexing voucher while funding is available.

“I urge all eligible residents to take advantage of this great program,” he said.

“It makes sense for Council to subsidise cat desexing to prevent stray and abandoned cats which often become feral and continue to breed. The whole community and native wildlife will benefit."

Strategic Director of AWLQ’s National Desexing Network Dr Joy Verrinder, urged residents to get their cats desexed as soon as possible. 

“Female cats should be desexed before four months of age before they can become pregnant,” she said.

“Male and female kittens can be safely desexed from two months of age and one kilogram in weight.

“We thank the local veterinary clinics who are helping to provide this community service.”

Participating veterinary clinics include Jimboomba Vetlove, Jimboomba Veterinary Surgery, Boonah Vet Hospital, Walter Street Vet Clinic at Boonah, Beaudesert Vet Services, and A Plus Vets at Beaudesert.

“Similar programs in Ipswich and on the Gold Coast over the past six to eight years have successfully reduced the number of stray and abandoned kittens in the community," Dr Verrinder said.

"AWLQ is managing this year-round life-saving program for a growing number of councils because it is proactive, and reduces community costs of managing unwanted cats.”