De-sexing ongoing issue
An overpopulation of domestic animals is known to be an ongoing problem.
But in the past four years a share of almost $250 million has been put into the community in an effort to reduce the problem.
Meg Wilson, who describes herself as ‘‘ the general dog’s body’’, has 25 years’ service at the SPCA and helped established three Pet Animal Welfare shops (PAWs).
The shops in Tokoroa, Putaruru and Thames use the profits towards animals in need of medical care.
A side project of subsidised desexing of domesticated animals is described by Wilson as her ‘‘little soap box’’.
Wilson said the first time PAWs subsidised a de-sexing, the funding was used up in two days.
But it’s an ongoing issue, Tokoroa and Districts Vets Dr Joe Lee said.
Domestic animal overpopulation is one of the biggest problems, caused by not de-sexing domestic animals, especially cats, he said.
Constant use of the service indicates to Lee the problem will not go away any time soon..
‘‘We’re fixing the small holes on the boat, we’re not fixing the actual issue,’’ he said.
Lee said unwanted pets, especially kittens, are dumped on the side of the road in Tokoroa.
He believes the problem
is because of the cultural attitude towards having a pet and said it needs to change.
‘‘It’s a social etiquette if you are having an animal,’’ he said.
Following the issue of overpopulation are problems such as inbreeding and cancer risk to dogs and cats.
Last year’s funding was dispensed before Christmas to vets in South Waikato, Thames and King Country.
Wilson said the subsidised desexing is still available at Tokoroa and Districts Vets and Putaruru Vet Focus.
During calving season, the subsidised funding will stop and return at the end of the year.
Grant applications for assistance with animal medical care costs can be found at both shops.