A drop in Mid to Lower Blue Mountains residents taking up a subsidised desexing program for cats and dogs has prompted calls for residents to utilise the program as the number of unwanted kittens rises.
Katoomba’s RSPCA shelter is full of unwanted kittens and dogs.
“The shelter is run off its feet,” said Jean Nicholson, a member of the RSPCA’s Blue Mountains volunteer branch, involved in the Community Animal Welfare Scheme.
“The kitten season used to run from late September and taper off in April. Last year it started early and didn’t taper off,” Mrs Nicholson said.
The RSPCA provides a subsidised desexing program in co-ordination with local vets and Blue Mountains council.
Cats and dogs are desexed regardless of age, including microchipping and vaccinations. Blue Mountains residents on any form of Centrelink benefit or a low income are eligible for the program, with the maximum fee $50.
Katoomba resident Sylvia Szabo was making use of the program to desex new cat Milo, who came to the family after a litter of kittens was found in the yard of a neighbour’s friend. Ms Szabo was thankful for the program, as she couldn’t have afforded the full desexing costs. Milo was going to be desexed at Selwood House Vet Hospital in Hazelbrook.
To apply for the subsidised desexing program contact Katoomba RSPCA shelter on 4782 2674.