Council Joins Forces for Cat Desexing Program
PLEASE NOTE (Update: 17/04/2024):
Current funding round has been exhausted.
Future rounds are being considered.
Please contact council directly if you require further information.
Port Pirie Regional Council (supported by a co-funding grant from the Dog and Cat Management Board), the National Desexing Network and a participating local vet clinic have joined forces to offer residents in need a subsidised desexing program to help prevent unwanted cats.
From 1 November 2023, eligible Port Pirie Regional Council residents will pay just $50 to desex their cat and just $5 to microchip.
The program is managed by the National Desexing Network and subsidies are available only while Council’s program funding lasts.
Residents in financial need and wishing to take advantage of the program must contact 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.
Port Pirie Regional Council Mayor Leon Stephens encourages residents in need to take advantage of this proactive program.
“This initiative helps the whole community as it reduces Council costs to collect, hold and rehome unwanted litters and helps reduce cat nuisance issues and the impact on native wildlife,” said Mayor Stephens.
“Desexing not only helps to ensure fewer unwanted animals, but research shows that desexed animals can live longer and healthier lives,” Mayor Stephens said.
Dr Joy Verrinder, Strategic Director of AWLQ’s National Desexing Network, urges residents to get their male and female cats desexed between 2 and 4 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.
“Port Pirie Veterinary Clinic is participating in this program for Port Pirie Regional Council residents. We thank the local veterinary clinic for helping with this community service,” said Dr Verrinder.
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 in Gold Coast City, the second largest Council in Australia,” Dr Verrinder said.
