Bayside Council will trial a 12 month subsidised, desexing assistance program as part of an initiative to promote responsible pet ownership.
Expected to start in July, the program would assist eligible residents with the cost of microchipping and desexing companion animals with a proposed subsidy of $100.
The trial program will prioritise concession holders, pensioners
The program will be run in partnership with the National Desexing Network (NDN), a not-for-profit organisation established in 2004 that operates as a referral system for discounted desexing services for pet owners experiencing financial hardship.
Under the program the NDN will coordinate with Council, participating veterinarians and eligible residents to provide a low-cost desexing service for residents.
Council estimates the trial program would support the desexing of approximately 200 cats and will continue until all vouchers have been used.
Statistics from the trial program will be incorporated into Council's Companion Animal Management Plan that also includes a comprehensive review of current animal management fees, services and other initiatives.
Mayor Edward McDougall said
"Council is launching this trial service as part of our commitment to responsible pet ownership while also providing a service that will benefit pensioners and those experiencing financial difficulty."
