Last year RSPCA Qld prepared detailed submissions when the State Government called for feedback in regard to proposed changes to cat and dog legislation. A unanimous decision was made: compulsory desexing at point of sale was a must for all but registered breeders.

Since then we have been working closely with the Moreton Regional Council in a trial project to reduce pet population. Our Portable Animal Welfare Service (PAWS) has travelled to Deception Bay and Wamuran, where RSPCA Qld Veterinarians have desexed an average of 30 cats per day. Encouragingly, the project has had the support of local vets who have offered reduced fees for pet owners who desex their cats.

On July 1 2009 legislation enforcing the mandatory registration and microchipping of cats and dogs took effect. Whilst RSPCA Qld is disappointed that this has not happened sooner, it is seen as a positive step towards reducing animal overpopulation and it is hoped that this will become a precursor to mandatory desexing. Until then, RSPCA Qld will continue to campaign for the mandatory desexing of cats and kittens who are “born to die.”

Please note: RSPCA Qld does not want to see cat registration become a fundraising exercise for local government and believes that it is important that there are substantial incentives for owners to get their cats de-sexed and micro-chipped.