You are not currently logged in.

Logged in members of the Greater Shepparton website can store a collection of commonly accessed web links here.
Log in here, or if you are not yet a member, you can sign up here.

Greater Shepparton Logo
City of Greater Shepparton
URL: http://www.greatershepparton.com.au/compulsorydesexingofcats.html
Your Council » News Archives » 2009 » January 2009

Please note: this is an archived news article release.

This article was published on 29 January 2009. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Compulsory desexing of cats

News article released on Thursday 29 January 2009

Greater Shepparton City Council would like to remind pet owners that all domestic cats are required to be desexed prior to being registered by 10 April 2009.

Council's Manager Sustainability and Environment Greg McKenzie said it is important to ensure your cat is desexed to stop unwanted breeding.

"Having your cat desexed prevents pregnancy and therefore reduces the number of unwanted kittens and cats roaming the streets," Mr McKenzie said.

"These cats can impact on local native fauna, particularly birds and they also spread disease.

"There is a large population of feral and unwanted cats that are bought into the animal shelter and have to be euthanised.

"It's not a nice topic, but the reality is that around 1000 unwanted cats are destroyed each year within Greater Shepparton because of irresponsible pet ownership.

"A cat can be desexed from around three months of age.

"If your cat is not desexed the Council will not be unable to register your cat and you may be fined for having an unregistered cat.

"I'd also like to remind pet owners that cats are required to be kept indoors at night."

Pet registrations are due 10 April each year and owners receive a discount on the registration fee for desexed pets

Under the Domestic (Feral & Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 Part 2 10C certain exemptions are available.

For more information contact Council's Animal Control Department (03) 5832 9700.

- Released 29 January