Broken Hill City Council, the National Desexing Network, BH Vet Clinic, and the RSPCA have joined forces to offer a subsidised desexing program to help prevent unwanted cats.
The program launched today and will allow locals on pensions or low income will pay just $20 to desex their male cats, $30 for the first female cat, $20 for the second female cat, and free desexing of any additional cats in the same household.
In addition, if cats are not already microchipped at the time of desexing, residents will pay just $5 to have each animal microchipped.
Residents wishing to take advantage of the offer are encouraged to phone 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 a local vet to make an appointment.
These subsidies are available while Council's funding pool of $30,000 lasts.
Mayor Darriea Turley AM encouraged residents to take advantage of the program to help prevent stray cats which can cause nuisance issues in the community.
"The community have made it clear they want to see action taken regarding wandering cats, and the first step to solving this problem is desexing," said Mayor Turley.
"Desexing not only helps to ensure fewer unwanted animals, but also helps reduce their desire to roam in search of a mate and get into fights.
"Desexing a cat can ordinarily cost hundreds of dollars, so we hope this program makes this important procedure affordable for everyone."
Dr Joy Verrinder, NDN's Strategic Director, urged everyone to desex their female cats early, as cats can become pregnant by four months of age.
"Kittens can be safely desexed from two months of age and one kilogram in weight," said Dr Verrinder.
"Desexed animals can also live longer and healthier lives," she said.
"We thank the BH Vet Clinic and the RSPCA for helping with this community service."
NDN manages these year-round Cooperative Desexing Programs free of charge for a growing number of Councils around Australia.
"Ongoing low cost 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," said Dr Verrinder.
Please note this offer is available for the desexing of cats only.
