Bundaberg Regional Council has donated $5,000 to RSPCA annual animal desexing campaign Operation Wanted to make participation more affordable for local pet owners.
The donation was approved by resolution at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 25 June.
Now in its 10th year, Operation Wanted is a collaboration between the RSPCA, Councils, local veterinarians and the community to offer discounted desexing for cats and dogs.
The program is aimed at reducing unwanted pregnancies, with around 13,000 animals desexed across Queensland as part of the 2023 campaign.
Council’s Community Liveability, Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Councillor Carmen McEneany said Council was pleased to partner with RSPCA again to support the initiative.
“In 2023, Operation Wanted was a huge success in the Bundaberg Region, with eight local vets involved, resulting in 349 dogs and 164 cats being desexed,” Cr McEneany said.
“Council’s donation equates to a contribution of around $9.75 per operation.
“Desexing reduces behavioural problems in animals such as roaming, aggression and mating behaviour, which in turn helps to reduce the number of service requests Council receives to respond to these issues.”
Council further supports the owners of desexed dogs through its registration fee schedule, with significantly reduced annual registration costs for desexed and microchipped dogs.
RSPCA Queensland spokesperson Emma Lagoon said Council’s support would help RSPCA to directly help more members of the community.
“With pet owners being able to save on desexing costs, we can help prevent more unwanted animals being born without homes to go to,” Emma said.
“This ultimately means less animals needing to find homes through shelters and pounds when owners can’t afford to care for unexpected litters.
“As cost of living is impacting households right across the state, support for the program from Council is welcomed to help more people take advantage of cheaper veterinary care for their pets.”
Operation Wanted runs from 1 June to 31 August each year.
For further information on Operation Wanted and to obtain the offered 20% discount on desexing for cats and dogs, go to the Operation Wanted website here.
Council’s that require cats to be registered have noticed a decline in unwanted litters resulting in multiple cost savings and benefits for the community
Great move thanks to our new Mayor!