Renewed calls of the importance of desexing your pets come as 'kitten season' is in full swing coming into the Christmas break.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Griffith Mini Kitty Commune founder Lauren O'Grady is receiving dozens more cats and kittens this time of year, which could be addressed if more people in the community desexed their pets she says.
"I wish people understood the importance of desexing. It is the main reason why there are animals in the pound because there are just too many animals and not enough homes," Miss O'Grady said.
"Being kitten season, there are a lot of free kittens around but kitten season doesn't really stop - there's always unwanted litters and kittens unfortunately. But it is definitely heightened during the warmer months.
"We would normally get maybe two a week, but at the moment it's up to about 16 people a week with unwanted kittens."
Desexing your pets is the single most effective way of preventing animals ending up being euthanised says Miss O'Grady, it is also better for your pet's health overall.
"It is always a good thing. It's a positive decision for the animal's health. It reduces roaming and fighting, it makes them a happier domesticated animal," she said.
"A female cat can still get pregnant while breastfeeding so their whole life can be spent with kittens and this reduces their life span dramatically.
"The reality is that one female cat can produce thousands of kittens."
Whilst this time of year the Mini Kitty Commune in Griffith generally sees a reduction in inquires for adoption, Miss O'Grady says that if people have the time, patience and money to invest in a new pet, adopting a pet can be very rewarding.
"Adoptions tend to slow down this time of year because people go away," she said.
"But if people are thinking of getting a new pet, reach out to the pound or rescue group because when you do that you are saving a life."
Miss O'Grady, a Griffith primary school teacher established the Mini Kitty Commune in Griffith three years ago and has seen a lot of positive changes she said, particularly in regards to the Griffith City Pound and Re-homing Centre.
"The pound have come a long way since I started. We have combined forces and have formed the Pound Community Working group which I am a part of as well."
"We meet once every three months with Council and discuss how we can fix issues in the community.
"I think a big need that has to happen is re-homing from the pound facility which is now in the works which is really positive."
MORE NEWS