Spay without the payout

Cat spaying vouchers are being handed out for a fraction of the regular price as part of a de-sexing campaign to limit the number of unwanted kittens in the region.

Marlborough SPCA has teamed up with Springlands Veterinary Centre to offer $30 vouchers to concession card holders, a huge reduction on the normal charge of $137.

The vouchers will be available at the vet from March 19 to locals who show identification, proof of Marlborough address and a Community Services Card.

Marlborough SPCA manager Abby Laskey said de-sexing was important as the SPCA received lots of unwanted cats and kittens.

‘‘We’re nearing the end of kitten season but we’re still seeing higher numbers coming through.’’

There were 55 cats and kittens waiting for adoption, 20 in foster care and a number of cats in quarantine and isolation, she said. ‘‘We have up to 100 cats on site.’’ She said she expected most of the furry felines to be adopted over the coming months along with a possible promotion to re-home them.

Laskey said the SPCA was seeing similar numbers to 2017 but it had ‘‘quietened down this time last year’’.

‘‘It’s been quite a busy season. It started a bit late for us this year.’’

The SPCA may be overflowing with cats, but she said the public were making the right choice by taking them to the organisation. She said there had been no careless abandonments or dumped kittens to report.

The de-sexing programme would hopefully mean fewer kittens and pregnant cats this time next year.

Meanwhile, the organisation held its national annual appeal last weekend.

Laskey said there was final amount raised was yet to be confirmed but said the response was ‘‘fantastic’’.

The aim was to raise around $5000 which will ‘‘come back into the centres to allow us to do the job we do’’, she said.

She said the centre was always looking for volunteers to help in the admin or animal shelter sections.

‘‘We have a great time here. I’m really proud of the volunteers and grateful for their work.’’