Orange City Council to support cat de-sexing

Orange City Council’s latest program to combat growth in the number of feral cats is under way.

A new cat de-sexing program will see around 30 local cats undergo the operation. The program is being funded with $5,000 from Orange City Council and $1,000 from the Central Tablelands Local Land Services with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Member for Calare Andrew Gee said the program is open to all pension card holders who own a cat and who live in the Orange local government area.

“Pets make great companions and we need to be doing everything we can to encourage the public to be responsible pet owners,” Mr Gee said.

“The cost of de-sexing can sometimes prevent people from taking this step for their pets, however this subsidy scheme will hopefully help to remove that barrier.”

Orange City Council’s Companion Animals Committee chair, Cr Neil Jones, said the council funding subsidizes the operation for pension card holders.

“It can cost as much as $200 for a female cat to be de-sexed, but under this program, pension card holders will only pay $50,” Cr Neil Jones said.

“The numbers of feral cats to be seen around Orange suggests that too many pets are being allowed to breed. If the cost of the operation is the main obstacle to having de-sexing done, then this program can be the best way forward.”

“As well as de-sexing, this program includes microchipping and registration , so there are possible savings of around $200, depending if it’s a male or female cat.”

BOOKINGS :

To book cats in for the de-sexing program, residents should come to the Civic Centre bringing their blue pension card, cat details and proof of address.

The microchipping and de-sexing work will be completed by the Summer St Vet Clinic.

The program began 6 March and will run until the $6,000 is allocated.