Cat owners with concession cards will be able to access low-cost de-sexing for their furry friends next month, courtesy of a council-subsidised service.
Orange City Council is running its annual desexing program in a bid to target growing numbers of stray cats and unwanted kittens in Orange.
The program offers desexing for $68, which also includes microchipping and lifetime registration.
Orange City Council's Environmental Sustainability Committee Chair Cr David Mallard said having their cat desexed is an option every pet owner should consider.
"Unless you're planning to be a professional cat breeder, I believe desexing must be considered by the owners of every young cat," Cr David Mallard said. "Cats can start to breed from as young as four months old, and if cats are allowed to roam free at night, an unwanted litter of kittens is very likely."
"The tragedy of dealing with these unwanted kittens can be left to our pound, the RSPCA or a voluntary cat rescue agency. It's not fair that these groups are left to pick up the pieces to deal with a problem that could be prevented in the first place.
"Taking up this opportunity is as simple as bringing your concession card into the Customer Service counter at the Council office to make a booking. The desexing and microchippping will be done by professional staff at the Canobolas Vet Clinic."
Orange City Council will take bookings from Monday, 3 March 2025. There is a limit on one booking per household.
The desexing program is funded by Orange City Council and is an activity of the Companion Animals Community Committee.
