‘Chipped, Snipped and Safe’ expands Shire-wide
Wingecarribee Shire Council’s free cat micro-chipping and desexing program is being rolled out across the Shire.
The expansion of the program follows a successful trial held earlier in the year in Moss Vale.
Council’s Project Officer Alicia Kaylock explained the purpose of the program.
“Back in March we trialled the program offering eligible pensioners and low-income earners of Moss Vale to have their cats micro-chipped and desexed for free,” Alicia said.
“Due to the overwhelming response we’ve now decided to roll out the program across our entire Shire.”
Under the program eligible pensioners and low-income earners can apply to have their ‘unchipped’ cats micro-chipped and desexed for free. The procedure will be undertaken by Council’s veterinarian.
“Each year we receive over 200 cats at our Animal Shelter,” added Alicia. “Unfortunately the majority aren’t micro-chipped which makes it difficult to track down their owners.”
“This program aims to not only reunite lost pets with their owners, but also help improve the overall health and welfare of the cats.
“At the same time we hope it provides owners with a little peace of mind.”
As part of the free desexing and micro-chipping program, Council will pick up and return the feline patients following the procedure.
Eligible pensioners wishing to participate in the ‘Chipped, Snipped and Safe’ program must have an approved pension card number at the time of booking.
For more information or to register, contact the Wingecarribee Animal Shelter on phone 4868 1520 weekdays from 10am to 4pm.
Residents who do not qualify for the program and who have difficulty meeting the costs of desexing their pet can apply for low-cost desexing through the National Desexing Network. For more information contact phone 1300 368 992 or visit www.ndn.org.au.
Chipped, Snipped and Safe is funded via the NSW Government’s Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program and closes 30 June 2017.