A man who runs a Chewton-based cat welfare initiative wants the Victorian government to put more funding towards subsidising cat desexing, as shelters cope with high numbers of cats and kittens.
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Alan Gregg, president of VIC Food Fund for Cats, believes greater availability of subsidised desexing will address the huge numbers of unwanted cats and kittens that fill shelters each year, as well as those who become feral.
Mr Gregg said many cat owners were on low incomes or pensions and could not afford the cost of the procedure, so simply did not do it.
He said other costs associated with pet ownership, such as registration fees, only made it more difficult for some cat owners to have their pets desexed.
The state government has provided grants through its Animal Welfare Fund for desexing programs, although only four grants have gone towards desexing programs for cats since 2012.
Mr Gregg said there was simply not enough money in the current grants program to meet need.
He said he applied for state government funding last year to provide discounted desexing, but his application was unsuccessful.
While desexing was a focus of his work, he said, a lack of funds restricted his ability to assist.
Mr Gregg would like to establish a voucher system and broaden the geographical areas in which he could help.
A number of central Victorian shelters have offered cut-price cat adoption in a bid to find homes for their cats and kittens due to high numbers, an issue they face each year.
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Cats are prolific breeders, able to fall pregnant young and in some cases, have up to five litters within a year.
Mr Gregg himself has dozens of cats in his care and others with foster carers.
Mount Alexander Shire Council runs a discounted desexing initiative in conjunction with RSPCA Victoria and local vets, as does the Australian Veterinary Association together with the Municipal Association of Victoria for low income earners.
The National Desexing Network, which has two participating clinics in central Victoria – both in Bendigo – also aims to help pet owners in need have their pets desexed.
But Mr Gregg said the majority of initiatives helping provide discounted desexing were privately funded.
The Agriculture Department has been contacted for comment.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
