Local pet owners have made the most of a free community event that resulted in 84 cats desexed and 103 pets microchipped.
Earlier this month, Wollongong City Council partnered with Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL NSW) to offer a free desexing program for cats. This was supported with free microchipping for pets by Lost & Found Pets Illawarra.
Over four days (4 to 7 August), the AWL NSW Animal Care Truck transformed the Vikings Rugby Club carpark into a pop-up care clinic.
The numbers are in, and they show 84 cats were desexed with each receiving an ear tattoo for identification. Amongst this clowder, 71 were vaccinated and 76 microchipped. Another 32 pets (cats and dogs) came along to be microchipped.
Daniel Kennedy, Council's Project Director of Animal Care and Impounding Services, deemed it a successful event and was pleased to see the community uptake of the free services.
"We've found that for some owners there's some challenges with caring for a pet, like money or time," he said.
"Health care is important for our furry friends, so it was great to collaborate with Animal Welfare League and Lost & Found Pets Illawarra to deliver this program.
"We appreciate everyone – and every pet – that came out. My team had some great chats with owners about the positive impacts desexing can have, not only for their cats, but also for our wider community.
"It can help avoid unwanted litters and reduce the urge for their cats to wander. It also helps lower the chance of their pet ending up in our impounding service."
In NSW, pet owners are encouraged to desex their cat or dog to reduce common behavioural problems, such as roaming and aggression. Curbing these behaviours lowers the risk of your pet escaping, getting in an accident, or becoming lost. Desexed pets are also less likely to get diseases.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said having a pet comes with a lot of responsibility, but there's resources and information available from Council and State Government to help you out.
"We're committed to supporting our residents in their journey as a cat or dog parent, and this event was just one way we can educate our pet owners and make sure they're doing the right thing," she said.
"I encourage our community to keep an eye out for more opportunities like this to help make life easier for you and your pets."
Wollongong is one of many regional locations the AWL NSW Animal Care Truck has provided veterinary support for. Their Australian-first vehicle has made it easier to help with animal care including microchipping, vaccinations and desexing.
AWL NSW Chief Executive Officer Stephen Albin said the Animal Care Truck regional program was delivering critical services to pet owners in areas of high demand.
"We were pleased to partner with Wollongong City Council to help pet owners, with many struggling to afford basic veterinary services," Mr Albin said.
"Microchipping ensures pets can be returned to their owners, reduces pressure on council shelters and vaccinations keep pets healthy."
Anne McNaughton, President of Lost and Found Pets Illawarra said:
"As President of Lost and Found Pets Illawarra Inc., I wanted to express how proud and grateful we are to have partnered with Wollongong City Council and The Animal Welfare League on the recent initiative.
Providing free microchipping to pet owners has been a deeply rewarding experience for both myself and our organisation. We're passionate about helping lost pets find their way home, and this initiative plays a vital role in making that possible. By ensuring pets can be easily identified, we're strengthening the bond between animals and their families — and that's something we're truly honoured to support.
We look forward to continuing our shared mission of improving animal welfare in our community."
