Swan Hill Rural City Council is encouraging eligible residents to take advantage of subsidised cat desexing opportunities during National Desexing Month this July.
Council has partnered with the National Desexing Network (NDN) to make desexing more affordable for local cat owners, helping reduce unwanted litters and support improved animal welfare outcomes across the municipality.
The community desexing initiative provides eligible residents access to subsidised procedures, with owners contributing just $50 per cat. Remaining costs are covered through Council’s partnership with NDN and participating veterinary clinics.
Eligibility includes pension and concession card holders, people on low incomes, those caring for multiple cats, residents willing to desex and adopt unowned stray cats, and people experiencing financial hardship.
Acting Director Development and Planning Dennis Hovenden said the program plays an important role in supporting responsible pet ownership and reducing stray cat populations.
“National Desexing Month is a timely reminder of the benefits of desexing pets before the spring breeding season, and by partnering with the National Desexing Network, we’re helping remove financial barriers that can prevent people from having their cats desexed,” Mr Hovenden said.
“This program supports residents who may otherwise struggle to afford desexing, while also helping to reduce unwanted litters, reduce stray cat populations, and improve animal welfare outcomes across our region, along with reducing the long-term impacts and costs associated with unwanted cats in our community.”
Animal welfare organisations across Australia continue to see increased demand during warmer months, when shelters and rescue groups often experience a rise in kittens requiring care.
Residents can contact the National Desexing Network on 1300 368 992 to check eligibility. Approved applicants will receive a voucher redeemable at participating veterinary clinics, including Swan Hill Veterinary Clinic and Mildura Veterinary Hospital.
More information about National Desexing Month and participating clinics is available at National Desexing Network https://ndn.org.au/%F0%9F%90%BE-subsidised-cat-desexing-for-swan-hill-rural-council-residents-nsw/