The Young Veterinary Clinic is encouraging the desexing of pets, particularly cats before the long breeding season starts in the warmer months.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is National Desexing Month in July, and Young vet Nicole McKenzie says it is worthwhile to get pets desexed to stop them wandering and breeding.
“Vets are often the first contact point for unwanted cat and dog pregnancies, and we know the problems involved with the outcomes of accidental litters,” Dr McKenzie said.
“We promote desexing all year round and provide incentives to encourage local animal owners to get their pets desexed.
"Litters are a strain on the mother, and it is always hard to find homes for the animals that come from unwanted litters, so we offer year round discounted desexing prices.”
Dr McKenzie said vets believed in animals being desexed for population control; as well as the health of the animals.
“Pet owners can play a vital role in preventing unwanted kittens and puppies,” she said.
"We recommend desexing before puppies and kittens reach sexual maturity to avoid unwanted litters.
“Desexing also provides many direct benefits to owners and companion animals.
“Cats and dogs are less likely to stray, spray in and around your house, or be injured fighting over territory.
“Male dogs are less likely to go wandering looking for a mate if they are desexed, and it can help ease aggressive behaviour in some male dogs."
Dr McKenzie said desexed pets were often more relaxed and affectionate and, generally, lived longer and happier lives.
"Desexed pets are proven to live longer because they have fewer health issues," she said.
National Desexing Month was initiated by the Animal Welfare League Queensland.
Now in its 13th year, it asks veterinarians around Australia to sign up on the National Desexing Network website (www.ndn.org.au ) and offer discounted cat and dog desexing incentives within their communities.
"Last year more than 3000 kittens and nearly 1200 puppies were born, surrendered or simply dumped at one of five AWLQ rehoming centres in South East Queensland alone,”AWLQ National Desexing Network Strategic Director Joy Verrinder said
"Many more don’t make it to the shelters, rescue groups or pounds, and are abandoned to live and breed on the streets."
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
