We all love our pets: They’re cute, cuddly, and most importantly loyal and loving friends — even family. But with pet ownership comes pet responsibility, which also carries a cost.

And given the rising cost of living, Orange City Council is urging concession card holders to take advantage of their annual desexing initiative that offers a massive discount to desex cats and dogs.

The annual program, aimed at minimising stray animals and unwanted litters of kittens, is funded by Council and conducted at Mulberry Lane Vet Hospital in Lords Place.

Eligible concession card holders living in the Orange LGA can get their pets desexed, microchipped and receive a lifetime registration, all for only $69.

Orange City Council will begin taking bookings from Tuesday, March 14 with a limit of one discounted procedure per household.

Veterinary surgeon, Dr Judith Carney of Mulberry Lane Vet Hospital spoke to Orange City Life about the risks associated with not desexing pets, and the issues that stray animals can pose.

“Stray cats are an issue because they’re a threat to the wildlife, and they get into fights, and there’s a nasty disease called feline AIDS, and 1 in 5 in NSW carries this disease, which is untreatable. And the trouble is it’s passed on from cat fights. A stray cat can come into your yard, and it can pass it on to your pet cat. So, it’s very important,” Dr Carney explained.

“Stray dogs can be an absolute menace. You don’t know their temperament; they could be aggressive. They’re bred to be owned by someone to take care of them, so they’re fed wrong.”

There aren’t only risks associated, there are also important health benefits associated with desexing pets as well.

“The advantage to desexing a dog before twelve months is that they’re clinically less likely to develop mammary tumours and a nasty disease called Pyometra which is an infection of the uterus and you’re preventing unwanted puppies,” Dr Carney said.

“In terms of desexing cats, it’s really the same thing – unwanted kittens.”

Last year about 19 dogs and 13 cats were desexed under the program however there were more places available.

Orange Deputy Mayor, Councillor Gerald Power urged people to take advantage of this opportunity.

“This is an important initiative that will help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of stray animals in our area,” Cr Power said

Funding is limited and will be allocated on a first-in basis. Bookings and payments are to be made at Council’s Customer Service Counter prior to the procedure.

“It’s not just about helping animals – it’s about helping people – helping concession card holders who might be struggling,” Dr Carney concluded.

 Mulberry Lane Vet Hospital’s Dr Judith Carney and Pandora. Photo by Scott Gilbank