Desexing your pet has benefits to you, the owner, as well as the community, including a reduction in:

• the number of unwanted and homeless animals and research shows that desexed animals can actually live longer and healthier lives.
• roaming and the likelihood of them being hit by a vehicle.
• showing aggressive behaviour compared to un-desexed animals. This means that they are less likely to fight with other animals in your household and the community.
• scent marking by urinating on things, compared to un-desexed animals.

A desexed pet is generally:

• more content;
• less aggressive;
• has fewer health problems; and
• does not contribute to the excess dogs and cats which may be later euthanized.

The RSPCA has more information on the benefits of desexing, including reduced risk of some diseases. Please see the the Helpful links for pet owners section for more information.

Subsidised desexing program

Council offers a subsidised desexing program for residents on lower incomes to assist them in preventing unwanted or additional animals.  For more information please see the Animal Management De-Sexing Policy on Council's Policies web page, under Community Assistance.

Animal owners may apply for the program using the Application for Subsidised Desexing form in the related documents section below. At this stage only one animal per address will be eligible per year.  Evidence of household income is to be provided with the application.

The animal to be desexed must be microchipped and currently registered with Council to be eligible.

If approved the owner is required to pay $30 towards the cost of desexing, Council will pay the remaining amount with one of the local Burdekin-based veterinarians.