PET desexing can come at a hefty price, particularly alongside food and vet bills, and grooming costs.
Pets are an expensive investment, that is why the State Government will support local councils and not-for-profits to desex thousands of cats and dogs owned by disadvantaged Victorians for little or no cost.
Under the latest round of Pet Desexing Grants, Shepparton Animal Rescue and Rehoming will receive $16,990 to deliver their ‘Please Don’t Litter!’ desexing program.
This investment will fund a partnership with veterinary clinic, Farriervet Pty Ltd, located in Lancaster, to offer free desexing to eligible community members. They aim to desex and microchip 100 female cats.
Moira Shire Council will receive $20,000 to fund ‘Cat Care Moira’, facilitating partnerships with the National Desexing Network and local vets, to offer subsidised desexing to residents in need. This project aims to desex 150 cats.
Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp MP, said “Pets are much loved members of the family. We are making sure Victorians can access free or low-cost desexing services for their cats and dogs, as we know these services are critical in our communities.”
Since the Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program was launched in 2012, 169 grants have been awarded to charity and community organisations, totalling almost $4.2 million, to improve responsible animal ownership and provide better welfare services for companion animals.
Feral cats threaten the survival of more than 100 native species, and they have caused the extinction of many ground-dwelling birds, mammals, and marsupials, including the endangered Australian bilby.
“Desexing, along with microchipping and registration are key to responsible pet ownership. These programs are enabling owners prevent unwanted litters and help protect our wildlife from stray and feral cats.”
