Cat plan is a snip

CAT lovers will soon be forced to have their beloved moggies de-sexed if a council animal plan is adopted.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges last week approved a draft domestic animal management plan which includes the introduction of compulsory de-sexing of cats.
According to the RSPCA, in 2005-06 more than 53,000 cats were lodged with welfare centres across the country resulting in 35,000 being euthanised.
In the shire between 2003 and 2006 an average of 326 cats were impounded annually with only 47 being reunited with their owners and 196 euthanised.
According to the shire, this indicates that a large number of cat are either wild or semi owned which means that they are fed but essentially roam free.
Councillor Graham Warren welcomed the move to make cat de-sexing compulsory, saying that it was something that was desperately needed in the shire. “Cat do a tremendous amount of damage to our wildlife, fauna and flora – de-sexing is something we desperately need,” he said.
Cr Samantha Dunn also welcomed the move but said she hoped the council wouldn’t receive any backlash for this decision from the cat loving community. She also said it was a shame that the council had to dictate to owners the need to de-sex their animals.
“If you are a responsible pet owner you would do it anyway,” Cr Dunn said.
The draft also proposed to review the dog leash free areas in Yarra Glen and Yarra Junction.
The council last week agreed to place the draft animal plan on display for public comment for two months.