NSW considers expanding free desexing for stray cats to reduce euthanasia rates

Stray cats would be desexed and released to reduce the number of animals euthanased under a proposal being considered by the New South Wales government. Key points: A free desexing service has reduced the number of kittens coming into an RSPCA shelter by one-third A government-commissioned report says $2 million should be put towards expanding the service across NSW People who are "semi-owners" who feed stray cats can also help reduce numbers by getting cats de-sexed for free Stray cats and the threat they pose to wildlife have long divided the community, pitting councils pushing for more powers to trap and euthanase animals against cat lovers. Free desexing for cats and support for people described as "semi-owners" is already being adopted by 11 NSW councils, with an RSPCA trial in Greenacre in Sydney's south-west reducing the number of kittens coming into the shelter from the area by a third in its first year. "Most of the stray cats, in fact, are being fed by people, compassionate people, who care for them," Dr Rand, who is also chief scientist for the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, said. "Historically people who care for stray cats have been demonised but actually the people who are the semi-owners are these amazing compassionate humans, an amazing resource," Dr Ma said.