Free or low-cost desexing pet owners

Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp congratulated the local recipients of the latest round of the Pet Desexing Grants to grow its desexing program and support disadvantaged pet owners in the region with subsidised desexing.

“Pets are much loved members of the family. We are making sure Victorians can access free or low-cost desexing services for their cats and dogs as we know these services are critical in our communities,” Mr Gepp said.

“Pet Desexing Grants recognise the important role local councils and not-for-profit organisations play in improving the lives of animals and their owners across the state.

“Desexing, along with microchipping and registration are key to responsible pet ownership. These programs are enabling owners prevent unwanted litters and help protect our wildlife from stray and feral cats.”

The Shepparton Animal Rescue and Rehoming

will also receive $16,990 to deliver their project, Please Don’t Litter!

Pet Desexing Grants are funded through the Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program and will provide $1.5 million over three years to support councils and not-for-profit organisations that provide free or low-cost desexing of cats and dogs for disadvantaged members of our community.

Round 1 of the Pet Desexing Grants offered a total of $500,000 for the purchase of equipment to enable the delivery of desexing programs. The grants could see more than 4,000 cats and 650 dogs desexed.

Since the Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program was launched in 2012, 169 grants have been awarded to not-for-profit and community organisations, totalling almost $4.2 million, to improve responsible animal ownership and provide better welfare services for companion animals in the community.

For more information visit: www.animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

Moira Shire Council will receive $20,000 for their Cat Care Moira project which aims to desex 150 cats in partnership with the National Desexing Network and local veterinary clinics.