Unwanted felines face death

KITTENS and cats are being put down at alarming rates at the Bendigo RSPCA shelter, as owners fail to take responsibility for their pets. According to statistics, supplied by the Victorian RSPCA, during 2008-09 the Bendigo shelter took in 1817 cats and 1243, or 68 per cent, were put down.In comparison the number of dogs admitted was 2405 and 258 were put down.The number of adoptions was positive, with 528 dogs and 406 cats adopted from the shelter.An RSPCA spokesman said the high number in cats and kittens being put down was often due to very low microchip and registration rates.“It also seems to be a common perception that cats are valued less than dogs in the society.”Bendigo Shelter manager Mark Goodwin said Bendigo pet owners should start taking responsibility for their animals.“As the colder months and storm season approaches, owners need to ensure their animals are secured on their properties,” he said.Mr Goodwin also said pet owners, particularly cat owners, should check with the shelter first after their cat went missing and stressed the importance of registering and desexing pets.